Arsenal’s €80m Nico Paz problem isn’t as big as it seems

7 Oct 2026 11:14 BST 3 min read

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

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Arsenal have been warned that signing Como star Nico Paz may be beyond them because of the €80m buy-back clause Real Madrid possess for the Argentine. Yet the assumption that this puts Madrid firmly in the driving seat is overstating the situation.

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Nico Paz has spent the last two years establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking midfielders under Cesc Fabregas in northern Italy. In 75 Serie A appearances, the 22-year-old has delivered 19 goals and 17 assists.

His performances have naturally caught the attention of the game’s true heavyweights, but while Arsenal hold an interest in Paz, according to the Daily Star, Real Madrid are still considered to be his likeliest destination. But is that really the case?

STATS

35

Games
12

Goals
6

Assists

The Real Madrid issue that’s not being discussed

To understand the situation, Paz’s complicated transfer history needs studied.

Como signed him in 2024 for just €6m, but Los Blancos maintained a buy-back option worth €9m as well as a sell-on clause of 50%. Two years on, Como spent a further €60m to secure the playmaker’s full rights, although Real Madrid retain a buy-back option for €80m, which is why Jose Mourinho’s side are still considered in the strongest position to sign him.

But there’s a problem with going back to Madrid for Nico Paz – and it’s a big one: how does he fit into the team?

He’s made his name as a playmaker at Como, featuring in the No.10 role for the vast majority of his appearances.

Go to Real Madrid, and suddenly he is facing competition with Jude Bellingham, a player who is still approaching the peak of his powers and already one of the best in the world in that role.

So could he play elsewhere? His experience in other areas is limited and largely comes from his youth days back in Spain. He did score seven times in 15 games as a centre-forward for the Castilla side, but he’s not seriously going to trouble Kylian Mbappe in that spot, while signing him to play on the right following the club’s record signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in the summer would be an illogical move.

The likeliest way Paz could fit at Madrid would be shifting Bellingham back into a deeper role, but that’s going to be a hard sell to the Englishman, who is currently thriving.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€68.1M - €83.3M

Why Arsenal can beat Real Madrid to Nico Paz

Arsenal have more scope to find room in their squad for Paz, with Martin Odegaard the player under pressure.

Another graduate from the Real Madrid youth academy, the Norway international will turn 28 shortly before Christmas and doubts have been raised over his longevity at the Emirates Stadium due to injury issues.

He has returned to his peak level at the beginning of this season, but with less than two years left on his contract, Arsenal will have to make a call imminently over their plans for the No.10.

Should Odegaard’s form dip or his body fail in the weeks ahead, Paz would look increasingly tempting as a natural successor.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have everything to sell the club to the up-and-coming star. They have a track record of success under Arteta, continue to be ambitious with their transfer plans and, crucially, may have a spot for him in their starting XI.