Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Argentine attacking midfielder Nico Paz next summer, according to a report from Bernabeu Digital. The Premier League champions have identified the 22-year-old former Real Madrid man as a key target to strengthen their creative options.
Bernabeu Digital said: "The Premier League champions have set their sights on the former Real Madrid man for next summer." This interest follows a failed €70 million bid from Arsenal's north London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, for Paz last summer. The report, covered by Sportskeeda, suggests Arsenal are now looking to succeed where their rivals could not.
Why is Nico Paz a target for Arsenal?
Nico Paz currently plays for Como in Italy, where he has established himself as one of Europe's most promising young playmakers. His performances have been instrumental in Como's historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League. In the 2024-25 season, Paz was named the league's best U-23 player, adding to his best midfielder award from the 2023-24 campaign. For Como, he has contributed 20 goals and 15 assists, operating primarily in the right half-space.
Arsenal's need for an attacking midfielder stems from recent squad changes. The departures of Fabio Vieira and Ethan Nwaneri have left the squad without a like-for-like alternative to club captain Martin Odegaard. Manager Mikel Arteta views Paz as direct competition for the Norwegian, aiming to add depth and quality to a key position. The Gunners are currently second in the Premier League with nine points from three wins, having scored six goals and conceded just one. You can view the full standings for the latest table.
What is the current situation with Nico Paz's contract?
Paz's transfer situation is complex due to clauses inserted by Real Madrid. This past summer, Real Madrid exercised an original buy-back clause to sign Paz from Como for an undisclosed fee. They immediately sold him back to the Italian club for €60 million. Crucially, the Spanish giants included an additional buy-back clause set at €80 million, which is valid for the upcoming summer transfer window. This structure gives Real Madrid significant control over the player's future while allowing him to continue his development at Como.
Arsenal's pursuit would therefore need to navigate this clause. Any successful bid would likely need to meet or exceed the €80 million threshold to convince both Como and Real Madrid. The Gunners' strong start to the season, with a perfect record and a +5 goal difference, demonstrates the squad's current strength but also the ambition to build upon it. Key defenders William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera are currently sidelined, as noted on the club's injuries page.
How would Nico Paz fit into the Arsenal squad?
As an Argentina international playmaker, Paz would offer a different profile in the number ten role. His ability to score and create from advanced positions aligns with Arteta's attacking philosophy. Integrating a new signing into a squad competing on multiple fronts is a challenge the club is prepared for, given their status as defending champions.
The immediate focus for the team, however, is maintaining their league form. Their next challenge is an away trip to face Sunderland on September 12th. Fans can follow the team's schedule on the official fixtures page. Securing a player of Paz's caliber would be a significant statement of intent for future campaigns, directly addressing a positional need that has emerged this season.
Arsenal's scouting network has clearly been impressed by Paz's consistent award-winning performances in Serie A. His proven ability to influence games at a high level, combined with his age and potential for further growth, makes him an attractive long-term investment. The club will be hoping their project and current success can convince the player to choose North London over other potential suitors or a return to Real Madrid. The final detail of the deal would hinge on activating the €80 million release clause next summer.
