Arsenal Track Como Star Nico Paz Despite Real Madrid Contract Complications
Arsenal are monitoring Como playmaker Nico Paz ahead of a possible move in January 2027, but Real Madrid’s contractual hold over the Argentine could make any deal unusually difficult to complete.
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of Serie A’s leading attacking midfielders since leaving Madrid in 2024, becoming central to Cesc Fabregas’ Como side and helping the club reach the Champions League. Arsenal are understood to be preparing a formal approach during the January 2027 window, although Madrid can intervene if an offer arrives.
Madrid retain a route back
Como agreed in June to pay €60m for full ownership of Paz’s rights, but Madrid negotiated an €80m unilateral buy-back option that can be activated in the summer of 2027. That provision gives the Spanish club a major say in any proposed sale.
Should Arsenal make a concrete bid, Madrid would be able to bring Paz back to the Santiago Bernabeu for €80m before choosing whether to include him in their own squad or sell him on. Madrid had previously held a buy-back figure of roughly €9m, but accepted a new, more lucrative arrangement when Paz elected to remain in Italy.
The club confirmed at the time that the decision for Paz to continue with Como had been made at the player’s request.
Rapid rise under Fabregas
Paz has developed quickly since joining Como. In the 2024/25 Serie A season, he produced six goals and nine assists across 35 league appearances.
He improved those numbers in the following campaign, scoring 12 times and supplying seven assists in another 35 Serie A matches. His contribution helped Como secure Champions League football, and he appeared in the competition against RB Leipzig.
The midfielder has carried that momentum into the current season. He scored in Como’s 4-1 win over Genoa on the third matchday and remains the side’s principal No. 10.
Three possible outcomes
Paz is contracted to Como until June 2028, and his immediate future could still take several directions.
- He could remain with Como, continuing his development while gaining further European experience.
- Arsenal could table an offer in January 2027, prompting Madrid to assess whether to use their €80m clause.
- Madrid could decide independently that their academy graduate is ready to return to the first-team group at the Bernabeu.
His form over the coming months is likely to shape Madrid’s decision, while Arsenal must weigh whether pursuing Paz is worthwhile given the buy-back mechanism already in place.
