Real Madrid clause complicates Arsenal's move for Como playmaker

Credit: Getty Images

Arsenal's reported interest in Como playmaker Nico Paz comes with a significant complication attached: Real Madrid hold a buy-back clause on the 22-year-old.

According to TEAMtalk, the Gunners are keen on the Argentina international but face an uphill task to get a deal done, with the La Liga giants having inserted a repurchase option into the agreement that took Paz to Serie A in the summer of 2024.

The report states that clause would allow Madrid to bring Paz back for €80million (£67.9million), though it only becomes active in the summer of 2027. Various other reports have claimed Madrid are expected to decide on whether to trigger it in the months ahead.

The Fabregas connection

Paz has been a central figure in Como's rise under former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, who views the playmaker as a key member of his squad.

Last season he registered 13 goals and eight assists across all competitions, helping the Italian side qualify for the Champions League. That form generated plenty of transfer noise in the summer, but Paz stayed put.

This campaign he has made six appearances with one goal to his name, scored in a 4-1 win over Genoa in Serie A last month.

Paz typically operates in an advanced midfield role for Fabregas but is also comfortable on the right wing, a versatility that would theoretically give Mikel Arteta multiple options in the final third.

January and beyond

Arsenal cannot sign anyone until the January window reopens, yet the club are already being linked with a range of potential additions.

That follows a busy summer in which the north London side strengthened several areas of the squad, bringing in defender Ezri Konsa, goalkeeper Illan Meslier, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and winger Christos Tzolis.

The timing of Madrid's clause is the key detail here. Because it does not activate until the summer of 2027, any club wanting to move before then would be negotiating directly with Como — but with the knowledge that Madrid have a route back to the player at a fixed price further down the line.

It is also worth noting the source. TEAMtalk are an established outlet but do not carry the same weight as tier-one reporters such as David Ornstein or Fabrizio Romano, so this should be filed under genuine interest rather than an advanced pursuit.

With Madrid's decision on the buy-back expected in the coming months, the next step in the Paz saga is likely to be made in the Spanish capital rather than north London.