Inter Milan are now in a position to pursue Real Madrid’s Nico Paz following Chelsea’s successful bid for Marco Palestra, according to reports from Italy. The Nerazzurri had initially been targeting Palestra, but Chelsea’s offer of €45 million has freed up funds for Inter to make a move for the Argentinian playmaker.
Complicating a potential deal is Real Madrid’s willingness to sell Paz to Como for a reported €60 million, with a buyback clause potentially rising to €80 million. This valuation presents a financial challenge for Como, particularly given upcoming UEFA regulations regarding financial fair play and existing agreements that would allow them to retain Paz for another season without an immediate purchase. However, Real Madrid are reportedly keen to use the sale of Paz to fund their own transfer activity.
Paz’s arrival would also appease Inter supporters disappointed by the loss of Palestra, and would provide the Oaktree investment fund with a high-profile signing they have been seeking since last summer, when they initially explored a move for Nico Williams. The 20-year-old Argentinian is seen as a player who embodies the qualities Oaktree desires – youth, talent, and ambition – to become a symbol of the club.
Inter manager Cristian Chivu may need to adjust the team’s formation to accommodate Paz, potentially shifting away from current systems to a 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-2-1. A player of Paz’s price tag would almost certainly be a regular starter for Inter. Should the Paz deal fall through, Inter have alternative targets including Moussa Diaby, Ndoye, and Kayode, while a more affordable option could be Dodò from Fiorentina, valued at €15 million. A potential swap deal involving Frattesi and Cambiaso with Juventus has also been mentioned, with a financial adjustment favoring Juventus.
