Exclusive: Arsenal and Man City scout attacking midfielder with 11 G/A this season | OneFootball

A Real Madrid academy product who is currently playing for Como in Italian Serie A is catching the attention of both Arsenal and Manchester City.

Premier League giants Arsenal and Man City are expected to go through some big changes in the summer as both the managers are ready to make additions to their squad in order to challenge Liverpool for the league title next season.

Although the title race is still not over mathematically, it is highly like that Arne Slot’s Liverpool side will win the league this season ahead of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and Pep Guardiola’s Man City side.

Both the managers are looking to revitalise their team’s midfield and according to Caught Offside sources, Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz is the player they are targeting.

Along with the Premier League clubs, Inter Milan are keen on signing the Real Madrid academy product.

Inter manager Simone Inzaghi thinks Paz can play as a true trequartista in a 3-4-1-2 formation or as a mezzala in a 3-5-2 formation.

The young talent, who left Real Madrid last summer and is currently playing for Como, ranks high among Arsenal’s transfer targets.

The Gunners want to sign the attacking midfielder as they are looking to add players who can make a difference in the midfield.

Although the attacking midfield position is occupied by club captain Martin Odegaard, the Gunners do not have enough depth in that position.

The 20-year-old Paz is still young and not the finished article, his performances in Serie A this season have shown that he has what it takes to reach the top level.

Arsenal and Man City have scouted Nico Paz

Arsenal and Man City target Nico Paz celebrates a goal for Como (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

With six league goals and fives assists for Cesc Fabergas’ Como side this season, clubs have been impressed by his performances.

Guardiola is taking a closer look at the player’s development and scouts from both Man City and Arsenal watched the player in matches against Fiorentina and Napoli where Paz managed to get a goal and an assist.

Real Madrid have options to buy Paz back and this could be an important factor in the future of the young talent.

Madrid have the rights to buy Paz back for €8million in the summer of 2025, €9million in 2026 or €10million in 2027.

In addition, Real Madrid will retain 50% of any future sale to a third club if they decide not to buy Paz back. These options provide an important strategic advantage in the transfer race.

In order to sign him, the Premier League sides would have to first beat Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side who have taken notice of Paz’s performances this season.