Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has issued a stark ultimatum to Boca Juniors regarding Exequiel Zeballos, declaring the Serie A club will only sign the Argentine winger “for the right conditions” or alternatively wait until January 2027 to secure him without a transfer fee.
The Italian side have pursued the attacking winger for several months. Reports indicate Zeballos has already agreed personal terms with Napoli and has turned down attempts by the Buenos Aires club to extend his stay beyond December 31, when his current contract is set to expire.
Stalemate over valuation
The negotiations have reached an impasse due to a significant financial gap. Napoli have submitted an offer just under €10 million, arguing this reflects the player’s contractual situation. Boca Juniors, however, are insisting on receiving the full €14.5 million release clause.
Manna outlined Napoli’s stance during a press conference. He noted that Zeballos’s “career was stalled by injuries” and confirmed negotiations have continued for “six to eight months.” The director stated the club will only proceed “for the right conditions,” adding that otherwise they “will wait” until the player becomes a free agent in January 2027 rather than meet Boca’s valuation.
Boca respond
Boca Juniors president Juan Roman Riquelme has maintained a firm position. He confirmed the player “has a contract with us until December” and distanced the Argentine club from Napoli’s approach, noting he has “nothing to do with Napoli.”
Riquelme’s comments underline Boca’s reluctance to lower their demands despite the risk of the winger departing without a transfer fee when his deal concludes.
Decision time for Boca
With Zeballos reportedly unwilling to sign a new contract in Argentina and eager to move to Serie A, Boca face a crucial choice. They must either accept Napoli’s offer of under €10 million now, or retain the player until December and risk watching him leave for free in 2027.
The stand-off highlights the challenging dynamics of South American transfers, where clubs often balance immediate financial needs against the risk of losing talent without compensation.