Cesc Fabregas made it clear that he wants Nico Paz to stay at Como next season, with Real Madrid reportedly interested.

Como secured Champions League football on the final day of the Serie A season, climbing up to fourth with a 4-1 win over Cremonese.

They will be the 16th different Serie A team to be part of the European Cup/Champions League.

And Paz has played a key role in Como's rise since Fabregas took over, having signed a four-year deal after joining from Real Madrid in August 2024.

He has made 75 appearances for Como in all competitions, netting 19 goals and registering 17 assists.

In Serie A this season, only Tasos Douvikas (14) bettered Paz's goal tally, while he also got six assists from 51 chances created.

Paz has caught the eye of some big clubs, with Madrid reportedly having the option to re-sign him until June 2027, though Fabregas is keen to keep him.

"He's a very important player for our growth," Fabregas told Sky Sport during Como's open-top bus parade to celebrate their historic top-four finish.

"We've grown with him, and he's grown with us. Let's see what happens, but we want him to stay."

Fabregas had also been linked with a move away from Como throughout the season, with his former club Chelsea supposedly interested before they brought in Xabi Alonso.

But the Spaniard has no intention of going anywhere, and he is already looking forward to planning for next season.

"We've had a long meeting with the President and the director; we are creating a mentality. From now on, we start preparing for a new, tough and different season," Fabregas added.

"I'm very happy here, you know that. I'm missing one or two steps more, and I'm learning so much.

"The growth of this club has been too fast; we've been pushing expectations for two and a half years. We are aware of who we are, and we have a clear vision. The demands of the Champions League are high. If you are not prepared, you concede six goals in certain stadiums."