Zanetti: Paz will surely return to Real Madrid

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti believes Como star Nico Paz will return to Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Paz joined Como from Real Madrid ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, when the Serie A side returned to the Italian top flight under Cesc Fabregas.

The 21-year-old has starred for Como this term; only Lautaro Martinez (16) and Marcus Thuram (13) have scored more Serie A goals this season than Paz (12).

He has directly contributed to more goals than any other Como player in the top flight in 2025-26 (18), while also creating the most chances for his team (51).

Only Giuseppe Baldini (13 in 1951-52) and Vittorio Ghiandi (18 in 1949-50) have scored more goals in a single Serie A campaign for the club.

Paz's exploits for Como have seen him gain plenty of interest from teams across Europe, with Tottenham reportedly seeing a bid for the Argentinian rejected last summer.

Rumours have emerged suggesting Serie A champions Inter are also interested in the Como youngster, but Zanetti believes it would be a difficult transfer to complete.

Madrid are rumoured to have an option to re-sign Paz, which remains valid until 2027.

"I admire him, and his father is a great friend of mine," said the former Inter and Argentina star.

"He would fit well in any top side, but signing him is complicated. Surely, he’ll return to Real Madrid."

Como are sixth in Serie A, three points behind Juventus, who occupy the final Champions League place.

Fabregas' side face Verona in their next game on Sunday.