Tottenham table ‘official’ €70m bid for playmaker and get immediate response
Tottenham Hotspur have made an ambitious €70 million bid for one of Europe’s most exciting young playmakers – but Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that while a transfer is “very likely” in the future, it won’t be to Spurs.
The North London side are moving aggressively in the final stretch of the summer window as Thomas Frank seeks to add more creativity and attacking depth to his squad. Spurs are prioritizing two major additions: a new winger and a natural No. 10.
Spurs’ pursuit of Nico Paz
With Arsenal snatching Eberechi Eze away from under their noses earlier in the month, Tottenham quickly turned their focus to another rising star – Como’s Nico Paz.
The 20-year-old Argentine playmaker has quickly become one of Serie A’s most talked-about talents. Last season, he was crowned the league’s Best Player Under 23 after a sensational debut campaign that showcased his vision, technical skill, and eye for goal. He wasted no time continuing that form this term, scoring and assisting in Como’s 2-0 victory over Lazio on the opening weekend.
Tottenham’s interest in Paz had been reported for several weeks, and Romano has now confirmed that Spurs made their move with an official €70m bid including add-ons. However, their hopes were quickly dashed. Paz has decided to remain with Como for the 2025/26 season – a massive boost for head coach Cesc Fàbregas, who is building his team around the young Argentine.
The story doesn’t end there. While Tottenham will not be able to secure Paz now, Romano revealed on his YouTube channel that the midfielder’s long-term future is already written. Real Madrid, who sold Paz to Como last summer, cleverly inserted several clauses into the deal: a 50% sell-on clause, matching rights, and three separate buy-back options.
Madrid chose not to activate their buy-back this summer, largely because they had already secured another talented attacking midfielder in Franco Mastantuono. But according to Romano, Los Blancos would have instantly matched Spurs’ €70m offer had Como accepted it. Instead, Madrid are expected to bring Paz back to the Bernabéu in the summer of 2026, when they can exercise their second buy-back clause for just €10m – a fraction of his current value.
Romano also noted that Madrid are likely to “compensate” Como in the future, acknowledging the financial imbalance of taking back a player worth €70m+ for only €10m. For Tottenham, however, it means the dream of signing Paz is over before it ever truly began.
Alternatives for Spurs
Missing out on both Eze and Paz leaves Spurs searching for alternatives. One name on their radar is Maghnes Akliouche of AS Monaco, another promising creative midfielder who fits Frank’s system. Another option admired by the recruitment team is Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa, though persuading Villa to part with him this late in the window is considered virtually impossible.
The Savinho pursuit
While the No. 10 search has hit roadblocks, Tottenham’s push for a winger remains alive – and their top target is Savinho. The Brazilian sensation, currently under contract with Manchester City, has been a standout name all summer. Despite City’s firm stance that he is not for sale, Spurs remain undeterred.
Romano recently reported that Tottenham are prepared to bid over €70m, while TEAMtalk revealed the club is weighing up a record-breaking €80m+ package to force City’s hand. The 20-year-old is said to be open to the move, leaving the outcome entirely dependent on whether the Premier League champions decide to cash in.
Transfer insider Ben Jacobs added fresh insight, writing on X:
> “Tottenham are still trying to sign Savinho following talks over the weekend. Spurs willing to pay over €70m. #MCFC want €80m+ to reconsider their position. Manchester City have blocked the move all summer as they believe even a big sale could be a mistake due to Savinho’s high ceiling.”
The bigger picture
Tottenham’s transfer window has been a rollercoaster. After starting the campaign with back-to-back Premier League wins and a victory in the UEFA Super Cup, the club’s ambition is clear. Frank and Daniel Levy are determined to deliver marquee signings to strengthen Spurs’ push for silverware and Champions League football.
But with just days left in the window, Spurs face a familiar challenge: competing not just with rival Premier League clubs, but also with Europe’s true heavyweights. Missing out on Eze and Paz shows the difficulty of shopping at the top end of the market. Yet, if they can pull off a deal for Savinho, it would send a huge statement of intent – and give Spurs fans the superstar winger they’ve been waiting for.