It emerged earlier this week that Chelsea have been scouting Como and Argentina sensation, Nico Paz. The playmaker’s burgeoning reputation is something Xabi Alonso knows all about.

Paz has been a revelation since he joined Como from Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, under former Chelsea player Cesc Fabregas. Clocking up 85 appearances, Paz has amassed 45 goals and assists.

Emi Martinez has hinted he could replace Lionel Messi as Argentina’s no.10. That is how highly Paz is rated, a player that Messi himself included in his Adidas +10 list. Chloe Sarwie was on this year’s list.

Xabi Alonso once discussed signing Nico Paz at Real Madrid

Fabregas made a risky move to sign Paz in 2024 after just eight senior outings for Real Madrid. Two years later, Madrid triggered their buyback £9m clause before re-selling him to Como for an enormous £50m.

It highlights his incredible growth. Now, Madrid have another buyback clause in Paz’s new deal, believed to be worth £70m. If Chelsea are to do a deal, they will have to pay far more than Madrid’s big clause.

Becoming Madrid manager in the summer of 2025, Alonso was asked if he had considered bringing Paz back to the Bernabeu. Obviously, Alonso was replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa and then Jose Mourinho.

“He’s doing well, not just this season but also in the previous one. He made a smart move there [Como] with that coach. But for now, it’s too soon; we’ll see,” Alonso said while he was still in charge at Madrid.

What Nico Paz has said about comparisons with Hernan Crespo

Bought by Chelsea for almost £17m in 2003, Crespo would have a hand in 31 goals during 73 outings in two seasons at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea fans know just how good Crespo was when in a Chelsea shirt.

So when Paz was compared to Crespo recently, it will only excite Blues fans more. On those comparisons, born out of a goal scored by Paz for Como in a 2-0 win over Fiorentina, Paz spoke of his Father, Pablo.

Paz said: “Because of the header I scored in Florence, I read that I was compared to Crespo and Batistuta.
I, on the other hand, think of my dad, Pablo. He was very strong in the air.” But it highlights his potential.

If Chelsea can sign Paz, it would be brilliant business – no matter the fee. He would be a superb signing alongside Rogers and Palmer, if Chelsea do get into Europe and a bit more rotation is required.