Carlalberto Ludi, Como's sporting director, announced that the team is "at an advanced stage" in negotiations to sign midfielder Mattia Liberali, while praising Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as a "very strong player". Como, who were in Serie B just a few years ago, are now preparing for the Champions League after an impressive fourth place in Serie A and a semi-final appearance in the Coppa Italia.
The club is investing heavily in the team to provide coach Cesc Fabregas with the necessary resources, which includes signing more Italian players. During a charity event in Forte dei Marmi, Ludi spoke to Sky Sport Italia about the €6 million deal for Catanzaro midfielder Liberali. "We are at a very advanced stage in signing Liberali. We want to sign him, he is an Italian talent, and we think he has the ideal characteristics to integrate into Cesc's style of play."
Reports indicate that, despite AC Milan offering Liberali higher wages, the player preferred to wait for the opportunity to work with Fabregas at Como. The club is also competing with Inter to sign Chalobah, with the first two proposals having been rejected. However, Como are expected to increase their offer to €30 million plus €5 million in variables next week. Ludi only commented that "Chalobah is a very strong player".
Although not a new signing, Nico Paz was acquired permanently from Real Madrid after a two-year spell for €60 million, although the Spanish giants have a buyback option for €80 million next season. "It should not be taken for granted that a coach like Fabregas and a player like Nico Paz want to stay at Como, so we are very proud. We are not yet ready for the Champions League, but we will roll up our sleeves to ensure we are ready when the time comes.
