Nico Paz reacts to transfer saga as Tottenham bid rejected

After scoring and assisting in Como's 2-0 win over lazio to top the Serie A standings by the end of Sunday, demonstrating just why clubs are keen on having him, Paz denied paying any attention to the transfer market in recent months. He is, the player says, purely focused on spending 2025-26 with Como and not actively looking to leave.

Tottenham turned onto Paz after Arsenal hijacked their attempted capture of Eberechi Eze. But after seeing an opening offer rejected, Spurs were also rebuffed with a significantly improved €70 million (£61m/$82m) bid. Real Madrid have a matching rights clause this summer and a €10m (£9m/$12m) buyback clause that becomes active next summer, with the player thought to want to head back to the Bernabeu in the long-term.

Asked about his future after the win over Lazio, Paz replied, via Sport Witness: "The transfer market? I didn't listen to anything, I stayed focused on preparing for the season. Let's hope everything goes well and that we can reach the highest possible level."

Team-mate Lucas da Cunha said: "It's not my place to talk. I'm very calm, I know he's very happy. He dreams of becoming a top player, he has to keep going like this, with matches like this."

After missing out on Eze, and having James Maddison ruled out long-term, Spurs are running out of time to boost their 'number 10' depth and cover. The club is also in the market for a centre-back, identifying Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie, but have seen Arsenal again jump in. The Premier League transfer window closes on September 1, in a week's time.