Arsenal urged to sign £8m star that ‘will be a World Cup player’

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Owen Hargreaves has urged Arsenal to move for Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz, describing the 21-year-old as a future World Cup star who could be the perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Argentina international has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents this season, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in 33 appearances across all competitions for the Serie A outfit.

Playing under former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas at Como, Paz has helped the Italian side climb into the Champions League qualification places with just eight games remaining in the season.

Hargreaves backs Arsenal move

Speaking to TNT Sports, the former Manchester United midfielder identified Paz as an ideal target for the Gunners despite the club’s significant summer investment in attacking players.

“There’s a young lad at Como, Nico Paz,” Hargreaves said. “There’s an option for him to go back to Real Madrid but if I’m Arsenal… This kid – you’ll see him at the World Cup. Mikel Arteta will already know that this boy will be a star and if you don’t ask you don’t get. A player like that could suit Arsenal.”

Arsenal would face competition from Tottenham, who showed interest in Paz last summer, while Real Madrid retain a buy-back clause in the player’s contract.

Real Madrid hold the cards

According to Spanish outlet AS, when Real Madrid sold Paz to Como in summer 2024 for just over £5.2m, they inserted a buy-back clause worth only £7.8m into his deal.

However, Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi remains optimistic about keeping the playmaker for another season, telling Radio Radio Lo Spor: “There’s a strong chance that Nico Paz will stay with us for another year.”

Ludi added: “It’s always the same story; we can’t control what others want. We’re very happy with him and he’s very happy with us. Qualifying for European competition would work in our favour.”

Fabregas has also spoken positively about Paz’s future at Como, suggesting the player could continue his development in Italy rather than seeking an immediate move elsewhere.

The former Arsenal midfielder said in November: “He is ambitious and can have a great football career, but why couldn’t he build that career here at Como? A person’s happiness is reflected in their eyes, and I believe he feels happy and comfortable here right now.”

With Como sitting in the Champions League places and Paz continuing to impress in Serie A, any potential move would likely depend on Real Madrid’s intentions regarding their buy-back option and the player’s own ambitions.