Real Madrid snubbed? Why Nico Paz is reluctant to return to La Liga giants due to Franco Mastantuono signing with Argentina international eager to stay at Como

Madrid are reportedly willing to trigger their €8 million option to buy Paz back from Como this summer, but the player is not ready to leave Serie A. According to AS, Paz believes it will be easier for him to reach his true potential at Como with guaranteed playing time under the management of Cesc Fabregas. After Madrid's signing of Franco Mastantuono from River Plate, Paz feels it would have been difficult to garner minutes under Los Blancos' coach Xabi Alonso.

Arda Guler and Mastantuono are being groomed to lead the midfield with Luka Modric heading to AC Milan, while Aurelien Tchouameni is still in contention for a place in the starting XI. The competition for a place concerns 20-year-old Paz, who plays a vital role under Fabregas. After a wonderful season with Como, the Argentine midfielder wants to build on it and refine his skills and playing style further this year.

The Argentine player scored six goals and provided nine assists in 35 matches last season, playing an instrumental part in Como's 10th place finish.

Como have built a good project under Fabregas and have further intensified their race for a top finish in the Italian league by adding the likes of Jesus Rodriguez from Real Betis and Croatian talent Martin Baturina from Dinamo Zagreb. This strong, developing environment provides the ideal setting for Paz to continue his progress, meaning that while a return to Bernabeu remains a future goal, now is not the perfect time.