Owen Hargreaves has urged Arsenal to sign one of the most exciting young players in Europe ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. The former Manchester United midfielder has specifically named 21-year-old attacking midfielder Nico Paz at Como as the player the Gunners must target.
Paz has featured 33 times across all competitions this season, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists. Playing a key role in Cesc Fabregas’ side, the former Argentina international has helped Como climb into the top four of Serie A. With eight games left to play, the Italian outfit hold a three-point cushion in the UEFA Champions League qualification places.
In an interview with TNT Sports, Hargreaves highlighted Paz as a priority signing for Arsenal. The former England international argued that the Gunners need to bolster their attacking options, despite having spent nearly £200 million on Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze last year.
“There’s a young lad at Como, Nico Paz,” Hargreaves said. “There’s an option for him to go back to Real Madrid but if I’m Arsenal… This kid – you’ll see him at the World Cup. Mikel Arteta will already know that this boy will be a star and if you don’t ask you don’t get. A player like that could suit Arsenal.”
Arsenal are also dealing with a fresh injury worry amid a nightmare 12-player injury list for Mikel Arteta, adding further weight to the need for reinforcements in attack.
Paz, who attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, has developed into one of the most exciting young talents on the continent. According to Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid sold the Argentine to Como in the summer of 2024 for just over €6 million (£5.2 million), inserting a buy-back clause worth only €9 million (£7.8 million). Although Los Blancos hold all the cards, they already possess a wealth of options in forward positions.
The Como sporting director, Carlalberto Ludi, provided an update on Paz’s future earlier this month. Speaking to Radio Radio Lo Spor, Ludi insisted the playmaker is “very happy” at the Italian club. “There’s a strong chance that Nico Paz will stay with us for another year,” he said. “It’s always the same story; we can’t control what others want. We’re very happy with him and he’s very happy with us. Qualifying for European competition would work in our favour. The chances of him staying are still high today, despite the World Cup being a factor.”
Fabregas has also commented on the situation. In November, when asked about interest from Real Madrid, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder said: “Rumours about Nico Paz and Real Madrid? Nothing to say. He is a Como player, he will stay with us, and then it will depend on what the other club decides. I’m not ruling out Nico being here next year as well. He is ambitious and can have a great football career, but why couldn’t he build that career here at Como? He has helped us grow and vice versa. It’s evident. A person’s happiness is reflected in their eyes, and I believe he feels happy and comfortable here right now.”
The numbers are undeniable: 11 goals and six assists in 33 appearances. With Arsenal facing significant injury concerns and a clear need to add creativity and firepower, Hargreaves’ message is clear. If Mikel Arteta wants a player who can suit his system and shine on the biggest stage, the window to act on Nico Paz is now—before Real Madrid’s buy-back clause or a Champions League-qualified Como make the decision for everyone.