Report: Chelsea make first ‘official’ move to sign £88m midfielder | OneFootball

Chelsea in the race to sign £88m midfielder

Chelsea have stepped forward with intent as they reportedly make what has been described as an official enquiry for Como’s gifted creator Nico Paz. The original report states that Chelsea have been dazzled by his soaring potential and aim to position themselves before his value reaches €100million. For a club that has spent significant sums on young technical profiles, this move aligns with a familiar recruitment pattern.

TeamTalk’s report highlights that Paz is viewed as one of the most sought-after playmakers in Europe, which sets the tone for a complex transfer landscape. The competition underscores Paz’s rapid rise since leaving Real Madrid in 2024. After eight years in Madrid’s academy, his bold decision to join Como under Cesc Fabregas has paid off. He has evolved into a decisive figure in Serie A, returning six goals and nine assists last season, followed by four goals and four assists in the current campaign.

As one source describes, Arsenal are trying to persuade Paz to consider a Premier League switch, while Tottenham Hotspur have already had an initial approach rejected. Inter Milan are considering a €58m bid, which would place pressure on Chelsea to act early.

Madrid Leverage Adding Layers of Difficulty

The most significant obstacle remains Real Madrid’s firm grip on the midfielder’s future. TeamTalk cite that Madrid included a 50 per cent sell-on clause in the €6m deal that took Paz to Como, plus two structured buy-back clauses of €9m in 2026 and €10m in 2027. This means any serious bidder would effectively need Madrid’s approval, and Los Blancos may be tempted to exercise their options if Paz’s growth continues.

Photo: IMAGO

A source quoted in the initial report notes that Madrid hold significant leverage over Paz’s future, making any transfer to Chelsea complicated. That leverage is not theoretical, it is contractual, and ultimately places Chelsea in a weaker negotiating position than usual.

Tactical Fit and Squad Considerations

The question arises as to whether Chelsea truly need Paz in 2026. TeamTalk writes that Cole Palmer remains the club’s first choice No 10, supported by the summer addition of Joao Pedro and the developing talents Facundo Buonanotte and Julio Enciso. With Enzo Maresca well stocked in attacking midfielders, Paz would face stiff competition for minutes.

Chelsea’s more pressing requirements lie elsewhere. As the original article notes, the club hope to sign a new goalkeeper and centre-back in 2026 and may need further depth in defensive midfield given the fitness issues surrounding Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo. It is difficult to overlook those priorities when considering a move that may exceed €70m.

Market Dynamics and Next Steps

CaughtOffside are mentioned as the source of the initial claim, and TeamTalk fairly note that their reliability requires caution. Even so, the scale of interest in Paz is undeniable, and the midfielder’s Serie A output is pushing him toward Europe’s elite bracket. Whether Chelsea can overcome Madrid’s position, Premier League rivals and their own squad profile remains unclear.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

A Chelsea fan would look at this situation with guarded optimism. There is excitement any time the club positions itself for a breakout attacking midfielder, particularly one developing under a figure like Cesc Fabregas who knows the Chelsea environment intimately. Many supporters would point to Paz’s versatility, especially his ability to operate as a centre-forward, right winger or in the No 10 role, as a potential asset for Enzo Maresca’s fluid system.

There would also be belief that elite depth is essential if Chelsea are to challenge for titles in Maresca’s second season. Fans have seen progress in structure and identity, and the idea of adding another high ceiling creator would be viewed as fitting the long term vision of blending young technical profiles with Maresca’s positional discipline.

However, even the most optimistic supporter would acknowledge that Real Madrid’s buy-back clauses represent a major stumbling block. The hope would be that Chelsea move early enough, or structure a proposal enticing enough, to persuade both Como and the player that Stamford Bridge represents the next stage of his development.

There is also belief that competition never hurts. Even with Cole Palmer returning, fans understand the need for rotation, especially with ambitions to return to the Champions League. If Chelsea can secure Paz at a price below the projected €100m ceiling, many supporters would back the move as one that reinforces Chelsea’s long term rebuild and keeps pace with rivals.