Nico Paz buy-back on the cards
Real Madrid are set to activate the buy-back clause for academy graduate Nico Paz after his breakout season in Serie A with Como. Florentino Pérez is driving the move to bring the 20-year-old back to the Bernabéu. (2) The attacking midfielder has impressed in Italy, but the final decision hasn't been locked in yet, Paz himself reportedly wants another season at Como to play Champions League football.
Rüdiger extension imminent
Antonio Rüdiger is on the verge of signing a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the club beyond his current deal. Both German and Spanish outlets are reporting it as all but done. (1) (3) The renewal shores up your defence at a time when continuity at the back matters.
Chelsea duo linked
Reports out of England claim Real Madrid have reached an 'agreement' and Florentino Pérez has opened talks to sign two Chelsea players following Xabi Alonso's decision to stay put. (5) Names are thin on the ground for now, treat this with caution until something concrete emerges.
Fan reactions
Madridistas seem split on the two main stories. The Rüdiger renewal is being met with near-universal approval, seen as a no-brainer for a defender who's been rock-solid. The Nico Paz situation is more divided, some fans want him back immediately to refresh the midfield, others agree with the player that another year at Como with Champions League minutes would do him more good than a bench role at the Bernabéu. Join the discussion
