Nico Paz continues to attract attention after another outstanding performance, but Fabrizio Romano insists that the Argentine will remain at Como until the end of the season despite Real Madrid's interest.

But while this may be a source of disappointment for Los Blancos, Romano has confirmed that the Spaniards are fully in control of the future of Paz, who sparkled during Como’s remarkable 9-1 victory over Lens in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Such displays have seen the 22-year-old linked with Arsenal, but the transfer insider insists that Real Madrid remain the favourites as the starlet’s next destination.

“This guy has more goal contributions in the Champions League this season than any other player. Yes, Nico Paz. Incredible,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“The boy can assist, the boy can score. He is delivering an incredible number of goal contributions. It is already five assists and three goals for Nico Paz. Three goal contributions against Manchester United and three goal contributions against Lens. Como, in general, have been magnificent.

“But for Nico Paz, do not forget one thing. I have already told you several times that he is not leaving Como under any circumstances. Even if clubs arrive and put €80m, €90m or €100m on the table, there is no chance. Nico is finishing the season at Como.

“Could Real Madrid come in January and offer money to get the player immediately? No chance. Nico Paz has already decided to finish the season at Como. That is 100 per cent.

“Then, in the summer, we have to see what happens, because Como obviously dream of keeping Nico Paz and continuing with him.”

Real Madrid still have €80m summer shot at Paz

Paz, meanwhile, is happy at Como, having turned down the opportunity to return to the Bernabeu in the summer as Jose Mourinho’s side tried to exercise their buy-back clause.

Romano continued: “It was Nico Paz who told Real Madrid that he wanted to go to Como. It was not Real Madrid telling him: 'Okay, go to Como, we don't want you here.'

“Real Madrid wanted Nico Paz back. Florentino Perez wanted Nico Paz back. Jose Mourinho himself spoke to Nico Paz face-to-face and on a video call, but Nico Paz said: 'Coach, I love Real Madrid, I respect you, but I prefer to stay at Como for at least one more season because I can play every game, develop and grow, rather than staying on the bench at Real Madrid.'

“So, Real Madrid are still in control of the situation, but not for January. Real Madrid cannot do anything to bring Nico Paz back to the club at this stage.

“Real Madrid have a buyback clause worth €80m, exclusive to the summer of 2027. It is not valid for two, three or four years. This clause is only for the summer of 2027, with €80m required to bring Nico Paz back.

“Remember that Como paid a package worth almost €60m in total to sign Nico Paz last summer. It was not one single payment.

“So Real Madrid remain in control of the situation. We should not forget the feeling and the love between Nico Paz and Real Madrid.

“Nico Paz is a La Fabrica product. Sometimes, let's also give credit to what Real Madrid do with their young players.

“Nico Paz came through the Real Madrid academy and became a star at Como, of course, but we should also recognise the work done by Real Madrid in developing this talent and picking the right club for him. It was not just Real Madrid, but also the player's agents.

“This is a global decision involving his agency, and they all made the right choice.

“Como, the player, his agents and Real Madrid: the boy is flying, Real Madrid are still in control, and Como are loving life with Nico Paz as their star. Everyone is happy.

“But in the summer, Real Madrid can bring the player back for €80m. The final decision on a sale still involves the player, but do not forget that nothing will change in January.”

Buyback clause is likely to be decisive

Real Madrid are in control of the situation because Como are likely to seek a fee higher than €80m on the open market for Paz.

His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has reached as high as €76.7m in his career, and while it has marginally dipped since then, the ambitious Serie A side will not be readily parted with their star man unless an extraordinary offer arrives.

That is bad news for Arsenal, but good news for Real Madrid, who may yet have the opportunity to land Paz at a very reasonable price.