Why Arsenal should SIGN Nico Paz

Nico Paz has been touted as the next huge breakout product in the footballing world. The Argentine youngster has performed remarkably during this campaign with high-flying Como in the Serie A which has prompted Real Madrid to act quickly and activate his 9 million euros buy-back clause this June.

Currently valued at around 60-70 million euros according to various reports, this would be hugely disappointing for Como but probably not a surprise at all. The 21-year-old has scored 11 goals and assisted 6 in the league which places him third for goal involvements in the Italian top division, three behind both Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco of Inter Milan. His phenomenal displays have even earnt him a regular spot in the national side where he scored his first international goal during a 2-1 friendly victory over Mauritania in March.

This is the calibre of player I, personally, believe Arsenal should look at signing in the upcoming summer transfer window regardless of how many trophies they end up winning come the end of May.

Arsenal has had their fair share of issues in the creative department despite scoring the second most goals in the Premier League this season (62) behind Manchester City (63). This hasn’t troubled them too much as the defenders have conjured up a huge chunk of goal involvements which have proved crucial to Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table. But when players such as Gabriel and Jurrien Timber begin to slow down on the impact, the reliance falls back on the ‘creative midfielder’ role to pull the strings essentially and drag Arsenal into games they are struggling in especially.

Paz fits this profile for me. He currently plays under the management of former Arsenal youth academy graduate, Cesc Fabregas who some Arsenal fans would argue is a club legend. He also seems to be the hottest piece of property that Real Madrid could own in the summer and that feels all too similar to when Martin Odegaard was in the exact same situation with Madrid in 2017. Arsenal is currently a club that doesn’t like to spend tremendously high transfer prices unless they fit all the system and the project like a glove. With Paz’s transfer value currently around the 60 million mark, this wouldn’t be a move that go against the club’s transfer policies.

On a more serious note, his playstyle is what needs to be discussed. Firstly, as mentioned earlier, Paz has 17 goals and assists in the league. This is already crucial as no matter what happens on the pitch, output is essential if you are to win football matches. Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze have 14 goal involvements combined in the Premier League this season. You can’t deny there has been some serious injury problems especially with Odegaard but this sort of output just isn’t enough in my opinion to wield a sort of ‘fear factor’ within your attack as a supposedly big football club fighting for the most luxurious trophies.

I’ve thought for a while that with Odegaard’s creative aspect of his game hindering, maybe him dropping into the ‘8’ role and allowing for a new ‘10’ could elevate Arsenal. Paz could fill that attacking role perfectly with his wonderful ability to beat his man and play needle threading passes which would suit Viktor Gyokeres as well. Paz has managed 69 successful dribbles, the most in Serie A this season and ranks among the top for key passes. What also helps is Paz has received the most progressive passes this season (678) whilst Odegaard has maanged 74 progressive passes which due to his lack of gametime is seriously impressive and would complement Paz wonderfully from the ‘8’ role.

Another huge boost from Paz is his ability to defend. It’s no secret that Mikel Arteta loves a player who tracks back and defends for his team. The youngster has recorded 36 tackles this campaign which is one of the highest from an attacking player in the top five European leagues. His versatility can’t go without mention. He can also adapt to both sides of the wing meaning if certain games are more for Eze in the ‘10’ then Paz can shift out wide. This is also a bonus as Arsenal are keen to offload Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli in the summer according to reports.

Real Madrid already has a squad littered with attacking talent. Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, Federico Valverde etc. This could halt Paz’s consistent gametime and progress so maybe he would feel more comfortable to sign for a football club where his minutes won’t be so limited.

In a world of 100-million-pound transfer happening everywhere, Nico Paz for significantly less is a move I just don’t want to see be squandered. I believe he is the best youngster in the Serie A currently and missing out would be a mistake.