Barcelona has started work on the transfer of a new Messi

Barcelona has initiated negotiations for the signing of River Plate midfielder Claudio Echeverri. This information has been reported by Argentine journalists Marcelo Palacios and German Garcia Grova.

According to the source, the Catalans are prepared to pay more than the player's release clause specified in his current contract. However, they aim to distribute the full amount over several payments rather than paying it all at once.

It's noted that the player's agents wish to finalize his transfer's details now but believe he should complete this season in his home country and make the move to Europe immediately after its conclusion.

Previously, it was reported that Claudio had caught the attention of Italian clubs Milan and Inter, as well as Real Madrid, Manchester City, and PSG.

In 22 matches for the Argentine U-17 national team, he scored 12 goals and provided 5 assists. It's worth noting that in the quarterfinals of the previous Youth World Championship, Argentina defeated Brazil, thanks to Echeverri's hat-trick.

Furthermore, the 17-year-old Echeverri has played only five games for River Plate's first team, where he registered one assist.