Real Madrid's €60m asking price throws Inter's plans into disarray
Real Madrid's decision to make Nico Paz available for €60 million has thrust Inter's summer transfer strategy into fresh uncertainty. The Argentine midfielder, currently impressing at Como, had previously been considered out of reach, but Madrid's willingness to sell—driven by José Mourinho's own recruitment priorities—has reopened a door the Nerazzurri thought was closed.
According to Tuttosport, Inter had already stepped back from the Paz race, choosing instead to focus their budget on the so-called 'Palestra' operation. However, Madrid's unexpected openness has forced a rethink, creating a direct conflict with Inter's long-standing interest in Curtis Jones of Liverpool.
"Signing Nico Paz would mean finding an extraordinary budget injection from Oaktree, beyond the sales already planned," a source close to the negotiations revealed.
The Paz profile: Why he could make Jones redundant
Inter view Paz as a potential 'Luis Alberto' figure—a creative midfielder capable of unlocking defences with incisive passing and drifting into half-spaces. That profile closely mirrors what they admire in Jones, the Liverpool academy graduate who has evolved into a versatile, press-resistant mezzala under Arne Slot.
If Inter push for Paz, sources indicate the Jones pursuit would likely be shelved entirely. Both players would command significant fees and wages, and Inter’s midfield revamp—already set to include Davide Frattesi's replacement—cannot accommodate two marquee signings in a single window.
The financial arithmetic is stark. Madrid's €60m valuation for Paz is comparable to what Liverpool would demand for Jones, who has three years left on his contract. However, Paz, at 21, offers a younger profile and the advantage of already being Serie A-proven after his loan at Como.
Mourinho factor and Bastoni connection
Complicating matters, José Mourinho has placed Alessandro Bastoni high on his defensive shortlist at Real Madrid. While no formal talks have opened, Madrid's willingness to negotiate on Paz could be a strategic move to create goodwill or leverage for a future Bastoni approach. Inter, aware of this, view the situation with caution, reluctant to strengthen a direct rival's squad in a position of need.
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid have set a €60 million asking price for Nico Paz, reopening Inter's interest in the midfielder.
- Inter had initially stepped back from the Paz race to focus on other targets, but Madrid's stance changes the equation.
- Signing Paz would likely end Inter's pursuit of Liverpool's Curtis Jones, as the two profiles overlap and the club cannot afford both.
- José Mourinho's interest in Alessandro Bastoni adds a layer of complexity, with Inter wary of Madrid's long-term intentions.
- The financial demands of the Paz deal require an extraordinary budget injection from owners Oaktree, on top of planned sales.
Quick Facts
Nico Paz current club: Real Madrid (on loan at Como until 2026)
Real Madrid's asking price: €60 million
Curtis Jones club: Liverpool
Inter's initial budget plan: Focus on 'Palestra' operation, not Paz
Manager involved: José Mourinho (Real Madrid) targeting Bastoni
