Inter’s vice-president Javier Zanetti was the driving force behind the Nerazzurri’s decision to collaborate with Genoa for striker Pedro De La Vega, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

De La Vega, who has been dubbed ‘the Argentine Chiesa’, is expected to join the Grifone for €10 million but Inter will get a right of first refusal when the striker is sold again.

Zanetti played a key role in negotiations by meeting the player’s family in March, when the 18-year-old was impressing at the South American Under-20 Championship.

“In Argentina they call him ‘La Joyita’, the little gem,” Gazzetta reported on Wednesday.

“De La Vega has a magical right foot but his runs up and down the wing are impressive as well.

“Inter will get the chance to sign the 18-year-old from Genoa if he makes a good impression in Serie A.”

De La Vega started six of Argentina’s nine matches at the ‘Sudamericano’ tournament, where they finished runners-up behind Ecuador.