Spurs launch bid for James Maddison replacement after heartbreaking ACL injury blow

Per Gianluca Di Marzio, Spurs have launched a €40m bid for Paz but it has been rejected by Como, as they seek a much higher fee. The club are searching for a replacement for James Maddison, whose ACL injury was revealed on Thursday, and is set to rule him out for almost the entirety of the season. 

Paz is a somewhat complicated signing for Spurs to make, given his association with Real Madrid. The Spanish giants sold him to Como last summer for a fee of €6m. The club have the option to match any bid that is made for Paz, or they can receive a 50% sell-on clause if he does leave. Therefore, Spurs' bid would only have landed Como €20m (£17m/$23m). Real are also reported to hold a buy-back option on Paz in 2026 that allows them to buy the star for under €10m. 

Paz is 20 and has already earned three caps for Argentina. A hugely versatile presence, he can play on both flanks, as a 10, and in a deeper midfield role; in 35 games in Serie A last season, he scored six goals and registered nine assists as Cesc Fabregas' side finished 10th.

Spurs may well return to the negotiating table as they attempt to land a replacement for Maddison. They play Bayern Munich on Thursday in a pre-season friendly and kick off their season next Wednesday, when they play Champions League holders PSG in the Super Cup final.