Chelsea fans were excited when they watched Nico Paz tear apart Manchester United on Wednesday night, hours after reports in Italy said Chelsea were willing to spend big to sign the Argentine.

It emerged earlier this week that Chelsea have been scouting Paz over the course of the last month, with Blues talent spotters in attendance to watch Como’s defeat to Feyenoord and their win over Fiorentina.

It is unclear if Chelsea sent representatives to watch Paz against Man United, but all they would have to do is watch the highlights of Como’s 4-1 win. Paz scored twice and laid on another during the rout.

Nico Paz creates more chances than Chelsea’s Rogers and Palmer

Paz is a sensation. Emi Martinez thinks he can become Argentina’s next answer to Lionel Messi. He is one of the most exciting attackers in Europe at the moment, already having a hand in nine goals in 10 games.

Chelsea fans would love Paz, but if signed, would he start over Cole Palmer or Morgan Rogers? That feels like a stretch, but since he joined Como, the stats show that Paz has created more chances than both.

Nico Paz, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers’ form since the start of 2024-25

Not only does Paz create more chances than Rogers and Palmer, but he also attempts more shots and gets more on target per 90 minutes. This is a player who rarely goes a game without a goal or an assist.

Palmer is a fan favourite, and when fit, he starts. He often plays 90 minutes. Rogers is quickly becoming that in a Chelsea shirt. But Paz might just be the competition they need to keep them on their toes.

How much will Chelsea have to pay to sign Nico Paz?

Ultimately, Paz is going to cost a small fortune. He will quite comfortably become one of Chelsea’s most expensive buys. Chelsea’s chances hinge on whether Paz is keen to return to Real Madrid at some point.

Initially, Como bought Paz from Real Madrid, but with a bargain buyback clause of £9m in his contract. That fee was activated in the summer, before Como agreed to re-sign the Argentine for a massive £50m.

But in the new deal, Madrid have a new buyback clause worth £70m. It is down to Paz; whether he thinks returning to Madrid suits him or not. It also hinges on Madrid being willing to activate such a big deal.

If Chelsea are to get their man, they will have to pay north of £70m to circumvent Madrid’s buyback deal. Offers over £80m would likely be required for Paz, with substantial add-ons. Is that too much for cover?

If Paz does not end up starting over Rogers and Palmer, is spending one of the club’s biggest outlays on a player worth it if he will only start the odd game here or there? Some big questions need answering.