Arsenal express interest in midfielder shining at Como under Cesc Fabregas: Reports

Arsenal have allegedly expressed an interest in signing Como midfielder Nico Paz following the youngster's fine start to the 2024-25 season.

Paz, 20, has cemented himself as a vital starter for Como since arriving from Real Madrid for a fee of around £5 million earlier this August. He has started four of his six Serie A appearances for Cesc Fabregas' outfit so far, contributing three assists in the process as well.

Now, according to The Boot Room, Arsenal's scouts were recently in attendance in one of Como's Serie A matches to keep tabs on Paz. They are believed to be keen to add the left-footed midfielder to their ranks but could face competition from both Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Paz, who could return to Real Madrid due to a buy-back clause in his current deal, featured in eight games across competitions for Los Blancos. He scored one goal for Carlo Ancelotti's team before his exit.

Should Paz decide to secure a move to Arsenal in the future, he could prove to be a brilliant signing. He would compete with Ethan Nwaneri and help manager Mikel Arteta manage Martin Odegaard's minutes.

Micah Richards lauds Arsenal superstar

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards lauded Kai Havertz for the way he adapted to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's demands. He said (h/t TEAMtalk):

"I think the good thing about Havertz is he has been able to adapt to what the manager wants because we were always scratching our heads, where is he going to play, what's his best position, he has found his role, but he scored in a Champions League final."

Sharing more thoughts on the ex-Chelsea star, Richards continued:

"Let's respect what he can deliver. German international. I remember when he was at [Bayer] Leverkusen early doors in his career and everyone was going crazy for him. Yes, players have a little bit of a dip, he was going through a time at Chelsea where things were going, but now he has found his home. He has found his home and he is delivering."

Havertz, who rose through Bayer Leverkusen's youth ranks, left Chelsea in a move worth up to £65 million in the summer of 2023. The 25-year-old registered 14 goals and seven assists in 51 total outings last season, helping his team finish second in the Premier League.

So far this campaign, the left-footed versatile forward has found the back of the net six times in 10 appearances across competitions for Arsenal. He has also provided one assist in 838 minutes of action so far.