Arsenal are monitoring Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz ahead of a potential January 2027 move, according to reports, as Mikel Arteta’s side continue to assess ways to improve an already strong squad. The 22-year-old has emerged as one of Serie A’s most exciting young creators since leaving Real Madrid for Como.

The transfer, however, is complicated by Real Madrid. Como completed a €60 million deal for Paz this summer, but Madrid retained an €80 million buyback option that becomes active in summer 2027. That gives the Spanish club significant control over his future.

Paz’s decision to remain at Como rather than return to Madrid has already paid dividends. He has become central to Cesc Fàbregas’ project and helped Como reach the Champions League. He also produced 12 goals and six assists in Serie A last season and has started this season brightly.

Is Nico Paz actually necessary for Arsenal?

The short answer is not immediately. Arsenal already has Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze competing for the advanced midfield role, while Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, and Bruno Guimarães give Arteta considerable depth behind them. 

Ødegaard, who is also the team’s captain, has also started the season strongly, scoring several goals, including the winner against Napoli in their opening Champions League match. That makes Paz more of a strategic signing than an emergency one, in that Arsenal would be buying another elite creative profile rather than simply filling an obvious hole.

Who would Nico Paz replace?

The most logical comparison is Ødegaard, but Paz should not be viewed as his immediate replacement. Instead, he could become the long-term alternative to the Arsenal captain while also operating alongside him. Paz is naturally left-footed, comfortable between the lines, and capable of carrying the ball through pressure.

His dribbling is one of his standout qualities, and his previous Como numbers demonstrate that he can contribute goals as well as chances. That could give Arteta something Arsenal occasionally lack: a midfielder who can break a defensive structure individually rather than relying entirely on combinations.

How would Paz improve Arsenal?

Ball carrying is probably the biggest attraction of a Nico Paz presence in Arsenal’s midfield. Paz can receive in crowded areas and turn and attack space. That matters for Arsenal because opponents increasingly defend deep against them, reducing the space available for traditional transitions. His creativity could also make Arsenal less dependent on Ødegaard to connect midfield and attack.

There is another advantage: age and upside. Paz is young enough to develop inside Arteta’s system while already possessing considerable Serie A experience. His price tag, however, may be a stumbling block. Paz is exciting, but Arsenal do not need to spend €80 million simply because an outstanding young player is available.

Real Madrid’s buyback clause also means Arsenal could find themselves negotiating around Madrid rather than simply with Como. Paz is good enough. The bug question is whether he offers something sufficiently different from Ødegaard and Eze to justify a major investment.