Arsenal have lodged their interest in one of Serie A's emerging talents.
The Gunners recently saw a huge bid for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins rebuffed, as Mikel Arteta attempts to add further firepower to his squad. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined for Arsenal at present.
But with the futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho to be solved this summer, scouts have already identified one 20-year-old midfielder who could solve the Gunners' problems for years to come.
Arsenal want to sign Como star Nico Paz but are facing competition from Real Madrid
As relayed by Italian outlet Internews24, Arsenal have entered the race to sign Nico Paza from Como. Paz, 20, has five goals and four assists for the Serie A new boys so far this term.
Paz is a product of Real Madrid’s La Fabrica academy but was sold to Como for a fee close to £5m in August 2024. He signed a four-year deal with Cesc Fabregas' side and has already made his senior debut for Argentina.
Real Madrid is said to have a buy-back clause inserted in Paz's current deal at Como but Arsenal want to bring him to the Emirates, with his performances catching the eye.
Inter Milan are another side interested in the 20-year-old midfielder, with Vice President Javier Zanetti said to have a strong relationship with Paz's father, given they played together at international level.
“Nico is a Como player. Real Madrid can buy him back, but at a certain price,” Fàbregas explained when quizzed on the youngster's future last year. “Nico is a young player, and our relationship with his family is very stable.”
“They [Paz’s family] are very happy, they thank us for all this, and it is a great pleasure for us to have him here. Nico is our brand, and we want him to continue with us for many years to come.”
In FourFourTwo's view, it sounds like Arsenal are already lagging behind in their pursuit of the midfielder given his past relationship with Real Madrid and his father's contact book in Italy.
If his performances continue to impress in Serie A, we expect him back at Bernebau in no time, with reports suggesting Real Madrid can buy him back for as little as £12m.
Arsenal target Ollie Watkins has already revealed Gunners move is his 'dream'
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