Como are preparing for the probable departure of star midfielder Nico Paz to Real Madrid this summer and have identified Blancos forward Gonzalo Garcia as a primary target to replace him, according to Italian reports. The 20-year-old Paz, who is on loan from the Spanish giants, is expected to be bought back by Real Madrid for a fee of around 10 million euros, triggering Como's search for a new creative force.
The relationship between the two clubs is described as excellent, with Como's sporting director Carloalberto Ludi and head coach Cesc Fabregas having strong ties to Madrid. Club officials recently travelled to Spain to scout players from Real Madrid Castilla, the reserve team, with Garcia emerging as the most prominent candidate. The 22-year-old striker has found first-team opportunities limited this season behind a star-studded forward line, starting just six games.
Garcia burst onto the scene during last summer's Club World Cup, scoring four goals in six games against sides including Al-Hilal, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund. He followed that with a hat-trick against Real Betis in January but has largely been used as a substitute. Real Madrid reportedly valued him at around 50 million euros last summer, but his reduced playing time could lower that price to a figure closer to 30 million euros, a range within which Como hope to operate. A loan deal with an option or obligation to buy, similar to the structure that brought Paz to Italy, is also a possibility.
The Spanish forward, who joined Real Madrid as a youngster, originally played as a left winger before being converted to a central striker in the club's Under-19 setup. He scored 25 goals for Castilla last season and earned high praise from Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, who compared his qualities to those of club legend Raul. Garcia is also noted for his off-field pursuits, having earned a double degree in Business Administration and Business Analytics.
Como's search for reinforcements extends beyond Garcia. The club's scouts have also noted Eintracht Frankfurt's Algerian international Fares Chaibi, a versatile 23-year-old attacker capable of playing across the front line or as an attacking midfielder. For defensive reinforcements, 19-year-old Real Madrid right-back Jesus Fortea, a recent Youth League winner, is of interest. The club is also seeking to add depth in midfield, a department considered light ahead of a potential European campaign next season.
For now, Como's focus remains on securing a historic Serie A survival, with Paz fully recovered from a recent head injury. His impending return to Madrid, however, has set the club's recruitment plans in motion early, with the first contacts for summer deals already underway.
