Zeballos nears Napoli move as Boca awaits offer

Exequiel Zeballos has reached a verbal agreement with Napoli on personal terms, as both Argentine outlets report, but Boca Juniors has not yet received a formal offer. The 24-year-old's contract expires in December 2026, and renewal talks have stalled, leaving Boca with limited leverage.

The situation at Boca

Boca initially demanded the full $20 million release clause, rejecting a $10 million bid from CSKA Moscow earlier this year. However, with Zeballos now eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs since July 1 and training separately under coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Boca's priority has shifted to securing a transfer fee rather than losing him for free Source: Clarín. La Voz adds that Napoli aims to pay a much lower compensation for the remaining six months of his contract, given the changing circumstances Source: La Voz.

What's next

Both outlets agree that a resolution is expected soon. Zeballos did not travel for Boca's friendly against Athletico Paranaense and is training apart from the squad. If Napoli submits a bid acceptable to Boca, the transfer could be completed in this window; otherwise, Zeballos could leave on a free transfer in January 2027.