Chelsea have sent representatives to scout red-hot Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz’s recent games, according to reports in Italy.

The 22-year-old was once again in the limelight with his performance, this time against Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Como thrashed the Premier League side 4-1, and Paz played a starring role with two goals and an assist.

This puts him at four goals and five assists from 10 appearances across all competitions this season, an impressive record even for a star player.

Such form obviously attracts the attention of top clubs, and according to Tuttomercatoweb, Chelsea are one of them.

Chelsea are said to have sent their scouts to closely follow Paz’s recent games in Serie A and in the Champions League, including Como’s games against Feyenoord and Fiorentina last week.

However, convincing Como to let go of the Argentina international is expected to be very costly, and it remains unclear if Chelsea would be prepared to pay a steep price for another number 10. Additionally, Paz’s former club, Real Madrid, will still have a lot of say in the midfielder’s future.

The Real Madrid academy graduate initially joined Como in August 2024 on a €6 million (£5m) deal. However, to get Paz for such a low price, Como had to agree to a buy-back clause and a 50 per cent sell-on clause.

Real Madrid activated the buy-back clause this summer, reportedly worth €10m (£8.4m), before reaching another agreement with Como, who had to spend €60m (£50.3m) to retain Paz in Italy.

Paz was said to have personally pushed to extend his stay at Como. In a recent interview, the midfielder expressed his gratitude to Como head coach Cesc Fabregas, whom he credited for his growth as a footballer.

"He taught me a lot. I think the player I am today is all down to him," Paz said about Fabregas recently.

The latest deal, however, also includes buy-back and sell-on percentage clauses. The buy-back clause is more favourable to Como this time, at €80m (£67m), which will only be valid in the summer of 2027.

In other words, other clubs would only be able to sign Paz if Real Madrid decided against exercising their buy-back option in the summer. But even then, the sell-on percentage that Como would have to pay to Real Madrid would likely raise the Italian side’s asking price.

Paz is undeniably a top talent, as evidenced by his goal contributions and overall performance.

However, he is a versatile left-footed number 10 who thrives in the right pocket. If this sounds like Cole Palmer, it is because this is exactly the role that the England international plays for Chelsea.

Palmer just signed a new contract with Chelsea that runs until the summer of 2034, so it is safe to assume that he is not going anywhere anytime soon.

While Paz is versatile enough that he can play as a number eight or even as a false nine, he is still at his best as a roaming number 10, and Chelsea already have Palmer, as well as Morgan Rogers and Estevao Willian, in this position.