Serie A side Como are prioritizing defensive recruitment as they prepare for their first Champions League campaign, according to reports in Italy. Despite boasting the league’s tightest defense last season, conceding just 29 goals, the club is looking to bolster the backline following the departure of Diego Carlos, who has returned to Fenerbahce after his loan spell.
Como manager Cesc Fàbregas is reportedly keen on Lorenzo Pirola, a 2002-born defender currently with Olympiacos, having previously played for Inter and Salernitana. Linus Gechter of Hertha Berlin is also under consideration, with Como having successfully signed Marc-Oliver Kempf from the same club two seasons ago. The club is also set to welcome Andres Cuenca, a 2007-born prospect from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, who will officially join after making his Champions League debut. The deal for Cuenca has already been finalized, following a loan spell at Gijón.
Further strengthening could come on the left side of defense, with Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus emerging as a potential target. The 26-year-old has made 132 appearances for Juventus, scoring 8 goals and providing 17 assists, and has also featured for the Italian national team. However, his current wage of €2.4 million per season could prove a stumbling block. Alberto Moreno is nearing the end of his contract, leaving Alex Valle as the only current option at left-back.
Como are also exploring attacking options, with Rennes’ Esteban Lepaul, the recent top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals, identified as a key target. The 2000-born forward is valued at €30 million, and faces competition from Atletico Madrid and Benfica. Another potential addition is Sebastiano Esposito from Cagliari, to help fulfill UEFA squad requirements. The situation regarding Nico Paz, currently on loan from Real Madrid, remains uncertain, pending the outcome of the club’s presidential elections on June 7th. Como remain hopeful of extending Paz’s stay, though a change in management at Real Madrid could alter those plans.
The club aims to finalize 80% of their squad before the start of pre-season training, recognizing the increased demands of Champions League football, having only Taso Douvikas and Alvaro Morata as current attacking options.
