Arsenal given new incentive to complete Nico Paz deal
Arsenal have been shown exactly why they must be prioritising Nico Paz's signature after his latest standout showing for Como.
Mikel Arteta's squad does not lack much, but can sometimes be found wanting when it comes to a consistent creative spark.
Their latest showing against Nottingham Forest was proof of exactly that, as Noni Madueke's 80th-minute winner proved to be their only shot on target of the City Ground clash.
The Gunners are reportedly keen on securing the services of Como star Paz in the next 12 months to aid their playmaking issues as he shines for club and country.
Argentine international Paz fired Como to Champions League qualification last season and has remained in fine form at the start of 2026-27.
His latest performance proves exactly why they must be hot on his trail in the new year, as several other top clubs also remain interested.
Nico Paz produced a top-level performance for Como vs Fiorentina
Paz registered 20 goal contributions in 40 appearances for Como last term, and has six in nine games so far in this campaign.
He registered a goal and an assist in their latest 3-1 win against Fiorentina over the weekend, as Cesc Fabregas' side moved back up to fifth in Serie A.
Paz leapt superbly to place a fine header beyond the goalkeeper in the 36th minute, then assisted Stas Douvikas with a fine pass for 3-1 in the second half.
The attacking midfielder took the joint-most shots (4) of any player, created two chances, completed 28 of 30 attempted passes and made five ball recoveries as he carried his team to victory once again
He also won four ground duels and two of three attempted aerial duels on a successful afternoon for him and the Fabregas' side.
Arsenal must now be pushing him even further up their shortlist of attacking midfielders, particularly as other clubs continue to monitor his progress in Italy.
Owen Hargreaves has urged Arsenal to sign Paz
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Arsenal's interest in Paz is complicated by Real Madrid's buy-back clause that comes into effect next summer.
The Spanish giants let him leave for Como in 2024 and inserted a clause in the attacking midfielder's contract that allows them to sign him for £68.7million at the end of the season.
That does not stop the Gunners from trying to sign him in the new year if they feel he is what they need to win another Premier League title or the Champions League.
TNT Sports pundit Hargreaves insisted that Arteta should be after Paz earlier this year, saying: "There’s a young lad at Como, Nico Paz. There’s an option for him to go back to Real Madrid, but if I’m Arsenal...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.”