Chelsea are willing to spend a sizeable sum on bringing Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz to Stamford Bridge, according to reports in the Italian media.

TMW claim that the Blues are “not scared by cost” as they continue to keep very close tabs on the Argentinian international.

Paz was linked with the London club prior to Como paying €60m (£50m) to retain his services last summer.

However, it is believed that Xabi Alonso’s side have maintained a watching brief on the 22-year-old, as they consider a potential blockbuster move in the future.

Paz has been praised by Messi

Speaking after the player was called up by Argentina for the first time back in 2024, Lionel Messi was quick to laud his international teammate’s ability:

“Nico Paz has an incredible mindset, and that’s why he’s where he is. Nico has a lot of quality and understands the game perfectly.

“He has an incredible mindset, and he’s with Cesc Fabregas as a coach who is my friend and will help him grow a lot.”

Paz has now started his third season with Fabregas at Como, having initially moved to the Serie A club following their promotion in 2024.

Chelsea will still have to fend off Real

Despite the fact that Como managed to stop Paz from going back to the Bernabeu in August after buying out the original buyback clause, TMW reports that Real Madrid still have an option on the player worth €80m (£67m), which can be triggered next year.

For that reason, the La Liga giants would be favourites to secure his services in the future, as Chelsea would likely have to pay considerably more than that figure.

Some Blues fans would also debate whether Paz is needed. He is ostensibly a no.10, and with Cole Palmer ending speculation about his future after signing a new contract earlier this month, there really isn’t room in the first-team squad.