Como are bracing for a major shake-up. After watching Nico Paz blossom into a genuine star over the past two Serie A seasons, the club now faces the inevitable: Real Madrid are closing in on their prized asset.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, this weekend's clash against Parma could mark Paz's final home appearance for the Lakeside outfit. Real Madrid are set to trigger their €10 million buy-back clause, with plans to either integrate the Argentine into their first team or flip him for a profit this summer.

For Como, the clock is ticking. Sporting director Carlalberto Ludi is already scanning the market for replacements, and he's looking to a familiar pipeline: Real Madrid's youth system. One name on the shortlist is Cesar Palacios, a Madrid academy product known for his composure in tight spaces and ability to dictate midfield tempo.

Another Spanish talent born in 2004 is Chuki, a creative playmaker currently at Valladolid. With seven goals and eight assists in the Segunda División this season, he's caught the eye of suitors across Europe—especially in the Bundesliga, where at least five clubs are tracking him. Werder Bremen currently lead the chase.

Also under consideration is Fares Chaibi, the 2002-born Franco-Algerian attacking midfielder from Eintracht Frankfurt. His blend of technical skill and physicality could offer Como a different dynamic in the final third.

As Paz prepares for what could be his farewell, Como's transfer team is working overtime to ensure the next star is already in the pipeline.