​Reports from Italy claim that Napoli have a verbal agreement to sign Boca Juniors winger Exequiel Zeballos on a low-cost deal, though late competition has emerged from CSKA Moscow, according to the latest updates. Zeballos, 24, has racked up more than 100 appearances on the Boca wing. Sky Sport Italia reports that the Argentina international has decided not to renew his contract with Boca, meaning he could leave on a free transfer when his current deal expires at the end of the year. Sky also indicates that Napoli hope to recruit Zeballos to the Stadio Maradona this summer, with Boca previously hoping for roughly €10 million for the winger whose contract is winding down; however, that asking price has reportedly cooled in recent weeks.
The situation was captured in Buenos Aires, where Zeballos has been a standout for Boca Juniors, often deployed on the left or right flank and contributing goals and assists in domestic and continental competitions. Although Napoli are said to have secured a verbal agreement, the club remains open to reshuffling its squad if a current winger is moved out to accommodate the arrival of Zeballos. One name that has persisted in transfer chatter is Noa Lang, who could be used as a bargaining chip or released to help accommodate new signings.
This development leaves room for other clubs to enter the race for Zeballos, especially given the winger’s contract status and the possibility of a free transfer at year-end. On Thursday, fresh reports indicated that CSKA Moscow had joined the race, presenting a substantial alternative with a five-year contract offer that would pay Zeballos around €4 million per season, totaling a €20 million package over the proposed duration. Such an offer underscores the growing interest in Zeballos as a cost-effective option who could add pace and creativity to a new side.
Zeballos has demonstrated versatility and consistency since breaking into Boca Juniors’ first team, making more than 100 appearances and establishing himself as a reliable threat on the wing. He has shown the ability to stretch defenses, deliver dangerous crosses, and contribute goals, which has attracted attention from clubs across Europe, including Napoli and CSKA Moscow. The Italian club’s reported verbal agreement suggests a clear intent to land the Argentine talent, but the final outcome remains contingent on several moving parts, including whether Napoli can offload other players to fund the deal and whether Boca will lower their asking price in light of Zeballos’ contract expiry.
With Zeballos entering the final months of his Boca contract, his next move could hinge on the balance between Napoli’s willingness to negotiate a favorable transfer-free or low-cost deal and CSKA Moscow’s readiness to match or exceed the financial terms being tabled by Serie A’s clubs. The evolving narrative around Zeballos’ future illustrates how transfer market dynamics can shift quickly when a player is nearing the end of his contract, is not pursuing a renewal, and is attracting interest from multiple major clubs. As the summer window progresses, observers will be watching closely to see whether Zeballos signs with Napoli on a cost-effective arrangement or if CSKA Moscow’s generous contract offer forces a reshuffle of priorities for the Italian side.