As the 2025/26 Premier League season looms, Tottenham Hotspur finds itself in a familiar, yet increasingly frantic, transfer predicament. With key players sidelined and previous targets slipping through their grasp, the North London club is under immense pressure to secure a pivotal “number ten.” Their latest pursuit? A £60 million bid for Como`s rising star, Nico Paz – a decision that could define their season.
The Midfield Maze: Injuries and Missed Opportunities
The need for creative midfield reinforcement at Tottenham has escalated dramatically. Managerial plans for the upcoming Premier League campaign have been severely disrupted by significant injury setbacks. The influential James Maddison, undoubtedly earmarked as the primary orchestrator in the number ten role, is unfortunately set to miss a substantial portion of the 2025/26 season following an ACL injury sustained during a pre-season clash.
Adding to the woes, Dejan Kulusevski, another viable option to fill the creative void, is also facing a spell on the sidelines. This dual blow has laid bare what many critics perceive as a glaring oversight by the club hierarchy in the transfer market, failing to secure adequate depth in a crucial area.
A Transfer Chronicle: Bids, Snubs, and Rival Victories
Tottenham`s summer transfer window has, thus far, been a saga of near misses and frustrating disappointments. Their initial pursuit for a number ten saw Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest emerge as a prime target. A reported £60 million bid was tabled, and the player even indicated a willingness to undergo a medical. However, in a twist that has become somewhat characteristic of the transfer window, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis intervened, pulling the plug on the deal and swiftly securing Gibbs-White on a new contract at the City Ground.
The focus then shifted to Crystal Palace`s dynamic midfielder, Eberechi Eze. Negotiations were extensive, and there was a palpable sense that a deal for the 27-year-old was imminent, with the player reportedly amenable to a move to the Lilywhites. Yet, in a cruel twist of fate – or perhaps a masterclass in rival negotiation – North London adversaries Arsenal swooped in, seemingly finalizing the transfer for Eze. Losing a top target is one thing; losing him to your fiercest rivals? That, as football fans would attest, is a particularly bitter pill to swallow, further intensifying the fanbase`s frustration towards Chairman Daniel Levy.
New Horizons: Paqueta`s Bargain, Paz`s Promise
With the dust settling on the Eze disappointment, Tottenham has been forced to cast its net wider. West Ham United`s Lucas Paqueta has emerged as a potential alternative, with reports suggesting he could be available for a significantly reduced fee of around £40 million. This represents a substantial cut from the £80 million valuation the Hammers placed on him last summer, making him an intriguing, potentially shrewd acquisition for the club.
However, another name has also surfaced on the Lilywhites` radar, stirring considerable intrigue: Nico Paz. The 20-year-old Argentine, currently plying his trade with Italian Serie A side Como, is generating significant buzz. Having joined Como from Real Madrid just a year ago, Paz enjoyed a breakout 2024/25 season, contributing an impressive 14 goals and assists across 35 appearances. While Como is reportedly reluctant to part with their young prodigy, especially after such a stellar debut season, they are understood to be open to offers in the region of £60 million.
The £60 Million Gamble: Why Paz Could Eclipse Eze
Eberechi Eze has undeniably proven his Premier League pedigree, consistently demonstrating his quality and posing a significant threat to opposition defenses. His tally of 16 goal contributions in just 34 outings last campaign speaks volumes about his impact. Securing his signature would have been a substantial, yet arguably “risk-free,” investment given his established performance levels in England`s top flight. His move to Arsenal, however, now means Tottenham`s defensive unit will face him rather than benefit from his prowess.
This brings us to Nico Paz. While a £60 million valuation for a player with only one full season in a top-five European league might seem a considerable gamble, it is precisely this “gamble” that could yield extraordinary returns. Paz possesses what scout Jacek Kulig terms “immense potential.” At just 20, he has a vast canvas ahead of him to develop and hone his craft, building on an already impressive foundation.
Intriguingly, despite Eze`s proven track record, Paz has already managed to outperform the now-Arsenal man in several key underlying metrics during the 2024/25 season. Notably, Paz boasts a superior “shot on target rate,” suggesting a potentially more direct and effective threat when bearing down on goal. This is not to diminish Eze`s talent, but rather to highlight the raw, refined attacking instincts already present in the younger Argentine.
Investing £60 million in Nico Paz isn`t just buying a player; it`s buying into a future. It`s a strategic pivot from securing established Premier League quality to betting on the trajectory of a genuine generational talent. In the ever-inflating transfer market, is “risk-free” truly an option, or merely a euphemism for yesterday`s price tag?
The strategic choice for Tottenham`s management is stark: pursue the more experienced, potentially cheaper Paqueta, or take the plunge on Paz. The latter represents a high-ceiling, high-reward proposition. While Eze offered a known quantity, Paz offers the tantalizing prospect of a player who, given the right environment, could significantly surpass those contributions in the years to come.
A Defining Summer for Spurs` Ambitions
The urgency for a number ten is undeniable, but the path to securing one for Tottenham Hotspur has been anything but smooth. From owner interventions to rival snatch-and-grabs, the club`s transfer window has been a rollercoaster of emotions. The spotlight is now firmly on Daniel Levy and the coaching staff to navigate these final, crucial weeks.
The decision to pursue Nico Paz, especially at a hefty £60 million, signals a potential shift in strategy – a willingness to back immense, albeit raw, talent. If successful, it could provide the dynamic creative force Tottenham desperately needs to compete at the highest level in 2025/26 and beyond. If not, the pressure on the club`s leadership will only intensify, making this transfer window a truly defining moment for the Lilywhites` ambitions.
