Claudio Echeverri attracts transfer interest from Serie A giants | OneFootball

Manchester City could be edging closer towards finalising a temporary home for exciting attacking talent Claudio Echeverri for the 2025/26 season.

The 19-year-old Argentine returned to pre-season training at the City Football Academy this week, with coaching staff continuing to monitor his fitness following an ankle injury sustained at the FIFA Club World Cup back in June.

Echeverri is currently in the final stages of his recovery and is being considered for a loan move to accelerate his development through consistent first-team football, off the back of a highly anticipated debut in May and a goal-scoring appearance in the Club World Cup against Al Ain.

Despite that momentum, Echeverri is seemingly unlikely to play a prominent role at the Etihad Stadium during the upcoming campaign, and Manchester City are therefore exploring loan opportunities across Europe, with the aim of ensuring the talented playmaker features regularly.

Reports in Spain have previously highlighted interest from Girona – the Catalan club owned by the City Football Group – although any move is believed to be complicated and not close to materialising.

Now, according to the information of Sky Italy, AS Roma now have their eye on the highly-rated and versatile Manchester City attacking midfielder this summer – presumably with a view towards a loan deal, although it is not specified within the report.

Additional reporting from Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo reveals that Roma and City are in advanced negotiations over a loan deal for Echeverri with the player open to the move. For now, Pep Guardiola’s approval is said to be ‘missing’, although there would be no issues on contractual terms.

A switch to the Italian capital would present Echeverri with a unique development pathway, with the club open to nurturing young attacking talent on temporary terms. Serie A has also become a favoured destination for elite prospects in search of minutes, with several recent City loanees thriving in Italy’s top flight in recent seasons including Maximo Perrone.

Elsewhere, Lyon had previously been credited with interest in Echeverri before their relegation to Ligue 2 brought negotiations to a halt. Despite their subsequent reinstatement in Ligue 1, the French side have yet to revive their pursuit of the Argentine.

Looking ahead, City’s decision over Claudio Echeverri’s immediate future will be driven primarily by development goals rather than short-term business gain. Any loan move will likely include strict performance clauses and regular feedback channels with City’s coaching staff, as the club remain intent on ensuring the midfielder is fully prepared to play a more prominent role in Pep Guardiola’s squad beyond the 2025/26 campaign.

For now, AS Roma have emerged as a genuine contender for his signature but as City weigh up their options and Echeverri continues his return to full match sharpness, more clubs could yet join the race before the summer window closes.