Chelsea ‘make contact’ over move to sign 21-year-old midfielder | OneFootball

Chelsea enquire about Serie A starlet as transfer race intensifies

Rising star attracting Europe’s elite

Chelsea have officially enquired about the availability of Argentine attacking midfielder Nico Paz, according to Caught Offside. The 21-year-old, once part of Real Madrid’s academy system, has emerged as one of Serie A’s most exciting young players after a blistering start to life with Como.

Photo IMAGO

Paz has contributed four goals and four assists this season, prompting growing interest across Europe. Sources close to the player’s representatives revealed that Chelsea view him as a long-term investment, believing his market value could soar towards €100 million in the coming years. “Clubs see a player who combines intelligence with aggression,” one source said. “He reads the game two steps ahead.”

Real Madrid retain key influence

A major obstacle to any deal, however, lies in Real Madrid’s hands. The Spanish giants retain significant control over Paz’s future, holding buy-back clauses worth €9 million in 2026 and €10 million in 2027, alongside a 50% sell-on clause from his original move to Como.

This shared ownership structure complicates any transfer talks, as both Madrid and Como would need to approve a sale. Reports suggest Inter Milan are already preparing a €58 million offer that would involve negotiating directly with Madrid to acquire full rights to the player.

Photo: IMAGO

Premier League rivals join pursuit

Chelsea are not alone in their admiration. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the situation, with both clubs considering bids in January. Spurs are believed to have seen an initial approach turned away, while Arsenal’s interest is said to centre on Mikel Arteta’s desire to strengthen his attacking midfield options.

For Chelsea, Paz represents a player with creative flair and tactical maturity, a quality that has often been missing in their recent rebuild. His form in Italy, coupled with Madrid’s lingering influence, ensures that this transfer saga could dominate the upcoming window.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Nico Paz fits the modern Chelsea blueprint: young, technically gifted, and already thriving in a competitive league. His ability to operate between the lines, link play, and create chances is exactly what the current squad lacks. Supporters will recognise how valuable a player of his profile could be, particularly as the team continues to search for consistency in the final third.

The real challenge lies in the complicated web of Real Madrid’s buy-back and sell-on clauses. Many fans will recall similar situations where Chelsea’s interest faded once negotiations became drawn out. Inter Milan’s financial intent only adds pressure, and fans will question whether the club can act decisively enough to close the deal.

Still, the ambition to identify talent like Paz reflects a broader shift at Stamford Bridge. If Chelsea can navigate the legal and financial complexities, signing the Argentine could mark a significant step in rebuilding a creative, forward-thinking side capable of returning to the top of English football.