If a recent report from the Spanish outlet Fichajes is believed to be true, Tottenham Hotspur are keeping close eyes on Como sensation Nico Paz ahead of a potential summer transfer. But they are not alone in the hunt with Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City also monitoring his progress in Serie A.
The 20-year-old midfield attacker spent his youth years at CD San Juan and Tenerife before joining the esteemed academy ranks of Real Madrid. He impressed for their reserves and was eventually handed a senior status last season. He made 8 first-team appearances under Carlo Ancelotti in all competitions, yet they sanctioned a €6m move to Como given no immediate future at Bernabeu. Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler are ahead of Paz in the pecking order, and the newly-promoted Italian outfit snapped him up late in the summer window.
The Spain-born Argentina international has impressed with 6 goals and 5 assists in 24 league outings [stats via Transfermarket]. I Lariani, under Cesc Fabregas, are ambitious enough to retain the top-flight status but, at the same time, could lose their prized asset amid interest from English football. While the youngster would love to return to his boyhood club, it remains to be seen whether the Madrid hotshots trigger the buy-back clause before next season.
Why Tottenham Must Step Up The Chase For The Youngster
Spurs are having a dreadful campaign, vastly due to injuries across the pitch. Ange Postecoglou has not been relieved from his duties, but the pressure would be immense on the Aussie boss if the Lilywhites remain stuck at 13th in the Premier League standings.
While they have James Maddison who is more experienced and holds a similar profile as Paz, form and fitness woes have prevented the Three Lions star from living up to the expectations in North London. He completed a £40m transfer from Leicester City a couple of summers back but has since struggled to fit in Postecoglou’s intense style of play. The manager has switched to a 4-3-3, and the Englishman, predominantly a ‘number 10’, has yet to settle in as a left-sided central midfielder.