Romano provides crucial update on Chelsea's pursuit of 'next Lionel Messi'

Cameron Smith

• 24 Dec 2023 09:45 GMT
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea are still interested in signing River Plate wonderkid Claudio Echeverri, although Mauricio Pochettino’s side face serious competition for his signature.

The 17-year-old has been touted as ‘the next Lionel Messi’ following his breakout onto the senior stage, and a move to Europe is seen as highly likely in 2024.

Echeverri has only made six senior appearances for River Plate and he is yet to score a professional goal, but he is already set for a €25 million transfer due to a release clause in his current contract.

The young Argentine winger is being chased by several top European clubs and transfer expert Romano has provided an update on his future.

“Manchester City keep pushing to sign Argentinian talent Claudio Echeverri from River as contacts continue on both club and player side," he posted on X.

"Chelsea are still keen and interested. No changes on Barcelona stance: he’s highly rated - but deal difficult due to FFP issues.”

Barcelona have well-reported financial problems and any movement at Camp Nou in January is likely to be in the form of loan signings. Joan Laporta even recently admitted they will look to sign a Gavi replacement on loan.

What has Claudio Echeverri said about his transfer future?

While Man City and Chelsea are deemed more likely destinations for Echeverri, the teenager has previously admitted that a move to Barcelona is on his wish-list.

“In addition to River, I would like to play for Barca,” he said. “I am a big fan of Messi and I saw him play in Barcelona, ​​so I have had this team inside me since I was very young.”

Furthermore, Echeverri also told ESPN: “I am not going to renew [my contract]. But I am going to stay six months or a year to enjoy myself. Later, we will see.”

His current deal at River Plate runs until December 2024, meaning a move away in January or next summer is highly likely.