Chelsea have contacted Italian side Como to enquire about the availability of Nico Paz, according to Caught Offside.

Como, under the watchful eye of former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas, are flying in Serie A this season.

A 0-0 draw with Cagliari at the weekend extended their unbeaten run to nine matches, and means they head into the international break in seventh, just one point and one place behind Italian giants Juventus.

And young attacker Paz has been key to their fine start to the season having scored four goals and provided four assists.

Tottenham were credited with an interest in the young Argentine over the summer, but were rebuffed in their efforts to sign Paz.

Spurs instead signed Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, while Paz remained in Italy and has continued to shine.

Paz's Como form attracting interest

And his form has caught Chelsea’s eye, with the Premier League side enquiring about the 21-year-old’s availability ahead of the January transfer window.

Chelsea are no strangers to hoovering up the best young talent in world football having signed Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto and Estevao in the last 18 months.

The Blues believe Paz’s value could exceed €100m in the future and are prepared to spend big to lure the Argentina international to west London.

Enzo Maresca’s side would face competition from London duo Arsenal and Spurs were Como give the green light over any potential transfer.

Real Madrid clauses complicate deal

However, any move for Paz is complicated by a series of clauses in his contract that Real Madrid demanded in order to sanction his move to Italy last summer.

Los Blancos have a 50% sell-on clause and a series of buy-back clauses that they can activate across the next 18 months.

Indeed, Real Madrid can buy Paz back for as little as €9m in 2026 and €10m in 2027, which they may trigger in order to either integrate the attacker into their squad or cash in themselves for a significant fee.

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has utilised the young talent at Real Madrid’s disposal to great effect this season, with Arda Guler, Alvaro Carreras, Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono all established first team players for the La Liga leaders this season.