Arsenal’s attacking midfield is currently anchored by one of the world’s finest playmakers, Martin Ødegaard. The 26-year-old Norwegian has been a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s project at the Emirates, blending vision, technical brilliance, and leadership. However, with Ødegaard facing injury challenges this season and the need for long-term planning, Arsenal have identified a sensational talent as his potential successor: Nico Paz. The 21-year-old Argentine, currently dazzling at Como in Serie A, has caught the attention of the Gunners’ scouts and even earned glowing praise from former Arsenal star Cesc Fàbregas, who called him “a champion.”
Nico Paz: The Rising Star
Nico Paz, a left-footed attacking midfielder, mirrors Ødegaard’s silky style on the ball, with exceptional vision and creativity that set him apart in his age group. After moving to Como from Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, Paz has taken Serie A by storm. Last season, he scored six goals and provided eight assists in 30 starts, showcasing his ability to influence games consistently. This season, he’s elevated his game further, notching four goals and four assists in just seven Serie A starts.
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His latest standout performance came in Como’s 2-0 victory over Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, where Paz scored a goal and provided an assist. Como’s manager, Cesc Fàbregas, was effusive in his praise, telling DAZN: “Nico is a champion. I’m very calm about him and his future. He can get to wherever he wants if he carries on with this hunger and humility. The talent and physicality are there.” For a player of Paz’s age to earn such high praise from a midfield maestro like Fàbregas speaks volumes about his potential.
Why Arsenal Want Paz
Arsenal’s interest in Paz is no surprise. Transfer reporter Graeme Bailey noted on October 1 via Arsenal Insider that the Gunners “like” the young playmaker, with scouts actively tracking his performances. Like Ødegaard, Paz combines technical elegance with a knack for unlocking defenses, making him an ideal candidate to eventually step into the Norwegian’s shoes. His ability to dictate play, create chances, and contribute goals aligns perfectly with Arteta’s tactical philosophy.
The Gunners’ midfield depth is already impressive, with summer signing Eberechi Eze (27) from Crystal Palace and the emergence of 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri adding quality and versatility. However, Paz represents a long-term investment, particularly as Ødegaard has struggled with injuries this season. Arsenal’s pursuit of Paz also highlights their ambition to stay ahead of rivals, as the youngster reportedly turned down a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2025, per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Real Madrid Complication
Despite Arsenal’s interest, their hopes of signing Paz may be dashed by Real Madrid’s influence. Paz, who has publicly expressed his dream of starring for Los Blancos, is subject to a buy-back clause in his Como contract. According to AS, Real Madrid have made a “verbal promise” to re-sign him for €9 million (£8m, $10.5m) in the summer of 2026. Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla reinforced this on October 17, noting that Paz is “destined soon to shine” at the Santiago Bernabeu, having rejected Tottenham to stay on course for a Madrid return.
Como’s president, Mirwan Suwarso, confirmed the situation on SportItalia on October 11, stating: “Real Madrid are allowed to buy him back whenever they want. It’s up to Nico to decide what he wants to do with his future.” Similarly, Como’s sporting director, Carlalberto Ludi, acknowledged Paz’s “extraordinary talent” and suggested that his desire to return to Real Madrid, where he developed, is understandable. Unless a club makes an “incredible” offer, Paz’s future seems tied to Madrid.
A Missed Opportunity for Arsenal?
Arsenal’s scouting team deserves credit for identifying Paz as a prime target, but the Gunners may need to act swiftly if they hope to derail Real Madrid’s plans. Paz’s performances, international experience (six caps for Argentina), and endorsement from Fàbregas make him a rare talent. His blend of creativity, goal-scoring ability, and physicality could seamlessly fit into Arsenal’s system, ensuring a smooth transition when Ødegaard’s time at the club eventually winds down.
For now, Arsenal fans can only dream of seeing Paz orchestrate play at the Emirates. While the club has a strong midfield core with Ødegaard, Eze, and Nwaneri, Paz’s potential to become a world-class playmaker makes him a tantalizing prospect. As Fàbregas put it, Paz has the hunger, humility, and talent to reach the very top—whether that’s at Arsenal, Real Madrid, or elsewhere remains to be seen.