Como sporting director Carlo Alberto Ludi will fly to Madrid within days to negotiate retaining Nico Paz ahead of the club's inaugural Champions League season. Real Madrid hold a buyback option valued at €9m for the 21-year-old Argentine international, whom Como acquired two seasons ago with a 50% sell-on clause and additional Madrid buy-back provisions.
Inter Milan emerged as a third bidder, prepared to offer €60m if Real Madrid activates their buyback option. However, Inter must generate significant additional funds beyond the €50m already earmarked for other targets. The Nerazzurri are considering selling Alexander Stankovic (€40m valuation), Davide Frattesi, Luis Henrique, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Andy Diouf. Several 2025-26 loanees including Benjamin Pavard, Kristjan Asllani and Ebenizer Akinsanmiro are expected to depart.
Como's strategy relies on convincing Madrid to defer activating their buyback option for at least another season, allowing the Serie A club to retain Paz without facing Inter's financial pressure. Paz's market value has risen significantly since joining Como, making him a focal point of summer transfer activity among Europe's elite clubs.