Owen Hargreaves just gave a massive shout-out to Como starlet Nico Paz on TNT Sports, and it’s getting people talking. He told Arsenal to go all out for the 21-year-old playmaker, even though a deal looks tricky. Real Madrid still have a buy-back option for their former academy kid, and Chelsea are also sniffing around.
Paz has been on fire in Italy under Cesc Fabregas, helping Como climb to a shocking fourth place in the Serie A table as of April 2026. Hargreaves believes Mikel Arteta surely knows how good the young Argentine is. The pundit thinks Arsenal have to make a move because the midfielder has exactly what it takes to thrive in London.
With 10 goals and 6 assists in 29 league games this season, Paz has shown he can handle the physical and technical grind of top-flight football. He’s a nightmare for defenders in tight spaces and creates chances from nothing, making him one of Europe’s standout performers right now.
The former England star said on TNT Sports: “There’s a young lad at Como, Nico Paz. 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.” (Quote via Mirror)
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Looking at how things stand, Paz is having the season of his life, netting 11 goals across all competitions for a flying Como side. His left foot is pure magic, and he can play as a number ten or drift out to the right wing, giving any attack a fresh attacking option. He’s got incredible dribbling skills and a high football IQ, which more than makes up for not being a pure speedster.
While Real Madrid can reportedly bring him back for just €9 million, Arsenal would have to pay a much higher market price if they try to buy him directly. I honestly think Real Madrid will trigger that clause to sell him for a huge profit or slot him into their own squad. Arsenal need a player with his specific spark because they still struggle to break down teams that sit deep.
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However, the Gunners might find the Madrid connection too hard to break if the Spanish giants decide to keep him. He suits the age group and the style Arteta wants, but unless Paz himself forces the issue, he is likely to go back to the Bernabeu first. Arsenal should definitely try to get him as a long-term heir or backup to Martin Odegaard, as his 2025/26 stats show he’s the real deal now.
