Real Madrid could secure one of the deals of 2026 next summer in a huge blow to Chelsea.
The Spanish giants have already disrupted Chelsea’s transfer plans before after signing Dean Huijsen in May.
Chelsea were eager to bring in Huijsen, but the central defender ended up joining Real Madrid instead.
Ahead of 2026, once again, the two European giants appear to be interested in the same player. And unfortunately for Chelsea, history could be about to repeat itself.
Real Madrid could sign Chelsea target Nico Paz for £7m
It is thought that Chelsea are huge admirers of Como’s Nico Paz, but it looks like Real Madrid are in the driver’s seat for his signature.
According to Mundo Deportivo, while the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal are tracking Paz, Real Madrid have the advantage.
That is because the La Liga outfit have the option to activate an €8m (£6.9m) buy-back clause next summer, Mundo Deportivo’s report claims.
Real Madrid sold Paz to Como last year but not without a plan to re-sign him in the future, it seems.
Interest in Paz is no surprise as he continues to shine in Serie A under Cesc Fabregas. In seven appearances, he has scored four goals and registered four assists this season.
With Cole Palmer out for an extended period, Paz would not be a bad player to have at Stamford Bridge right now.
What Cesc Fabregas has said about Nico Paz
If Chelsea were to ask their former midfielder Fabregas about Paz, they would get a very positive response.
After working with the 21-year-old at Como, the retired Spain international is a big fan.
In one post-match press conference last term, Fabregas said (via Football Italia): “He’s a special player and he must be free to express himself.”
Chelsea may need to sign a new attacking midfielder next summer, with Facundo Buonanotte only at the club on loan.
However, thanks to that buy-back clause, Real Madrid are the clear frontrunners for Paz’s signature.
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