Tottenham and Chelsea continue to scout £60m midfielder despite firm summer rejection

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Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in one of the most exciting midfielders in Europe has not gone away despite being unable to strike a summer deal.

During the summer transfer window, it was reported that Spurs had a €40m (£34.6m) offer for Nico Paz rejected by Como, and some sources even suggested that Tottenham were ready to pay €70m (£60.7m) for Paz.

However, the Argentine decided to remain at the Serie A side, with the Lilywhites completing the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig instead.

Some outlets have said Real Madrid played a big role in preventing Spurs from signing Paz, as Los Blancos have a buy-back option on the midfielder, which they intend to activate in the future.

Tottenham joined by two London rivals in Nico Paz race

TBR Football have now claimed that Thomas Frank’s men have maintained a watching brief on the 21-year-old after being snubbed in the summer.

However, the Lilywhites now face competition from close to home for the Argentine starlet, with the youngster’s impressive performances at the start of the campaign piquing the interest of other London sides.

It is revealed that Arsenal are fans of the attacking midfielder, while Chelsea’s recruitment team have identified him as a backup option in case they fail to land Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.

Tottenham’s pursuit of the player may get even trickier as it is not just Premier League clubs that are looking closely at the Argentina international ahead of January.

Paz wanted by Spanish and Italian clubs but his priority is clear

TBR Football says that Atletico Madrid have also been impressed by the midfielder’s performances at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia this season, while Inter Milan are also looking into his situation closely.

The outlet also spoke to transfer market expert Graeme Bailey, who revealed that despite the growing interest in Paz’s signature, the player’s priority is simple: to book a place in Argentina’s squad for next year’s World Cup.

When asked about the Real Madrid academy graduate, the journalist told TBR: “Paz is one of the form players in Europe. He has been outstanding for Cesc Fabregas and Como. Real Madrid have told him they intend to bring him back, but that will depend on the player.

“Chelsea are one of the sides to pay close attention to him this season, and it is clear he has impressed them. Paz, for his part, is concentrating on his football as his main aim this season is to make Argentina’s World Cup finals squad.”