Manchester City are closely monitoring Como and Argentina attacking midfielder Nico Paz, according to fresh reports, as European interest intensifies ahead of the January 2026 transfer window.The Premier League champions are not expected to be as active in the winter market as they were last summer, when new director of football Hugo Viana oversaw a major reshaping of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
A City Squad in Transition
Last summer saw a dramatic turnaround in the dressing room. Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan, Ederson, Scott Carson and academy star James McAtee all departed permanently. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish, Manuel Akanji, Vitor Reis, Claudio Echeverri and new signing Sverre Nypan were sent out on loan.
City entered this season amid transition after one of the toughest campaigns of the Guardiola era, finishing third in the Premier League, being knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16, and losing the FA Cup final.
Key Business Under Hugo Viana
The goalkeeping department also saw drastic change, with James Trafford returning from Burnley and Marcus Bettinelli joining from Chelsea. At the same time, the club strengthened heavily in midfield and attack.
Viana earned widespread praise for landing Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Cherki from Lyon, effectively filling the creative void left by Kevin De Bruyne after he joined Napoli on a free transfer.
The window ended with a blockbuster move as City secured Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG for just £26 million, allowing Ederson to complete his move to Fenerbahce.
Now, with City sitting second in the Premier League and on course to reach the Champions League Round of 16, attention has turned to potential long-term additions.
City Tracking Nico Paz
According to TBR Football, Manchester City are keeping a close eye on Nico Paz, who has enjoyed a breakout year in Serie A under manager Cesc Fabregas. His growth has attracted heavy interest from Liverpool and Chelsea as well.
However, the biggest influence on his future rests with his former club Real Madrid. Paz left the Spanish giants in 2024 to join Como, but his contract contains multiple clauses — most notably a powerful £40 million buy-back option.
Tottenham have also shown interest previously, yet Real Madrid are believed to be seriously considering bringing Paz back to the Bernabéu after his rapid rise in Italy.
Premier League Trio Monitoring Situation
If Real Madrid decide not to exercise their buy-back clause, the 21-year-old could become one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe next summer.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are all watching developments very closely, with the Premier League clubs viewing Paz as a high-ceiling talent who could thrive in England.
Conclusion
Nico Paz has quickly emerged as one of Serie A’s most exciting young playmakers, and his rise has put several top clubs on alert. Manchester City remain among the leading contenders for his signature, but Real Madrid’s £40M buy-back clause will be the decisive factor in what happens next. As City continue refreshing their squad for the long term, Paz is firmly on their radar but far from guaranteed to become available.
FAQ
1. Who is Nico Paz?
A 21-year-old attacking midfielder playing for Como and the Argentina national setup.
2. Why are Manchester City interested?
City see him as a high-potential creative midfielder who fits their long-term squad planning.
3. What is Real Madrid’s role in the transfer?
Real Madrid have a £40M buy-back clause, giving them priority to re-sign Paz.
4. Which other clubs want him?
Liverpool, Chelsea, and previously Tottenham have all shown interest.
5. When could a transfer happen?
The situation is expected to develop ahead of the January 2026 window or next summer.
