Como have released a statement on Nico Paz’s future amid links to Real Madrid and Arsenal.

Speculation that the Argentine playmaker could leave the Serie A side to make a move to a European superpower has been growing thanks to his sparkling displays in the Champions League.

The latest of these came on Wednesday, when he helped Como crush Ligue 1 side Lens 9-1 in France.

Carlalberto Ludi, Como’s sporting director, spoke to Radio Radio (via Tuttomercatoweb) on the subject and admitted that it’s a problem that the club are still working out how to negotiate.

“I put myself in Como fans' shoes because every November and March, whether due to journalistic speculation or other reasons, it always turns out that Real Madrid is bringing back all their players. This year, there's talk of Jacobo Ramon,” he said

Como bullish over Nico Paz’s future

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Real Madrid retain a buy-back clause for Paz valued at €80 million, valid for the summer of 2027 and putting Jose Mourinho’s side firmly in control of the race for the player ahead of Arsenal and any other suitors.

This is simply the latest mechanism that Los Blancos have put in place to retain a measure of control in Paz’s future, having initially sold him to Como for just €6 million in 2024. The Italian club then bought his full rights two years later in a club-record deal worth €60m. The caveat is that the Spaniards have a chance to buy him back in 2027.

Ludi is not thinking about the prospect of losing the 22-year-old and says that even if he does leave, it would be an “important” transfer for the club.

“The truth is that we made a good deal last summer,” he said. “Nico Paz is 100% a Como player. Real Madrid retained a buy-back option by a certain date during the transfer window, as is normal. It would be a sale that would enhance our work and would also be important for the club,” the Como official added.

“We'll figure out how to manage the situation during the season, as we've always done in recent years, thanks in part to the fantastic relationship we have with Madrid. For now, we have to enjoy the player, because he truly is an incredible champion.”

Como’s stance is supported by the previous actions of the player. Paz had the opportunity to go back to Real Madrid last summer but turned down the opportunity, fearing he would not get the first-team opportunities he has been offered with Cesc Fabregas’ side.

Paz is set to be faced with the same problem next year, and Mourinho’s men may have issues persuading him to join given that he would be directly competing against Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande for pitch time at the Bernabeu.