Chelsea are likely to be active in the January transfer window, and an attacking midfielder could be on the radar in the winter market if Nico Paz becomes available in a couple of months.

Argentina international Nico Paz has been a sensation at Como under Cesc Fabregas. The attacking player has been the heartbeat in Como’s side under the former Chelsea midfielder, starring for the Italian outfit.

Chelsea are said to have sent scouts to watch Paz. They were present during a 3-2 defeat to Feyenoord in the Champions League, and then watched his goal and assist in a 3-1 Serie A win over Fiorentina.

Valentin Barco heaps praise on Chelsea target Nico Paz

Paz continued his form by helping Como dispatch Man United, scoring a goal and providing an assist over Torino, and laying on three goal involvements in this week’s stunning 9-1 win over Lens.

Needless to say, Paz is a serious player. Real Madrid has a £70m buyback clause in his deal, but Chelsea are ready to pay £100m to tempt Fabregas’ side. This week, Barco spoke to Gaston Edul about Paz.

The duo shared a room at the World Cup, and now the Chelsea midfielder believes he is capable of filling the giant shoes left by Lionel Messi after the Inter Miami superstar’s retirement from Argentina duty.

Journalist: But with time, the younger generation, like you, gradually earns its place and progresses. In the National Team, is there anyone else you think to yourself, ‘Watch this guy play, he’s really good?’“

Barco replied: “Nico, maybe. Nico is very, very good. He’s very well-rounded in every way. Personally, I really like his playing style.” The journalist then asked: “Do you see him wearing the number 10 jersey?“

“I really hope so. I would love to see it. I shared a room with him at the World Cup; we spent more than 50 days together, and in a few training camps. We know each other’s journeys. I hope he can wear it.”

Chelsea are yet to make any serious inroads into signing Paz and the chances are, a January move is unlikely. But come next summer, the Blues may make good on their interest and scouting reports.

Barco is not alone in making Messi predictions about Paz

Paz is a wonderful player; a player with huge potential, and in the comeback win over Torino, he showed he can do a bit of everything. A gorgeous cross for Como’s equaliser, a brilliant header for the second.

He even creates more chances than Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, judging on this season’s form. Rogers creates 1.82 per game, while Palmer is at 2.25. But Paz is producing a huge 2.68 per 90 minutes.

Barco is not the only Chelsea player who believes Paz can wear the no.10 shirt. Emi Martinez has also hinted that the Como star can start wearing the 10 shirt. Paz scored in Messi’s final-ever Argentina game.

If Chelsea do want to sign Paz, the club are well-placed to try and convince him of a move to Stamford Bridge. Not just because Fabregas is his manager, a former Chelsea hero, but because of Argentina, too.

Lionel Scaloni has named his Argentina squad and has included three Chelsea players. Martinez, Barco, and a surprise call-up for defender Aaron Anselmino, who has returned to training since his injury.