Napoli have reached a verbal agreement with Boca Juniors wonderkid Exequiel Zeballos over a long-term contract, but the deal is far from complete as CSKA Moscow have emerged as serious contenders for the 20-year-old's signature. According to reports from Football Italia, the Serie A giants have stolen a march on the competition by agreeing personal terms, yet the Russian outfit are ready to test Boca’ s resolve with a substantial bid.
Who is Exequiel Zeballos?
A product of Boca’ s famed academy, Zeballos has drawn comparisons to Angel Di Marí a for his electrifying pace, close control, and eye for goal. Operating primarily as a right winger but capable of playing across the forward line, he burst onto the scene in 2022 and has since amassed over 70 appearances for the first team, contributing 11 goals and 14 assists. His performances in the Argentine Primera Divisió n and Copa Libertadores have put Europe’ s top scouts on high alert.
“ He is a special talent with the mentality to reach the very top,” a source close to the player told Football Italia. “ The agreement with Napoli shows he is ready for the next step, but nothing is signed yet.”
Napoli’ s Summer Ambitions
New manager Antonio Conte is keen to add youthful flair to an attack that already boasts Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen. Zeballos fits the profile perfectly: a versatile forward with high pressing intensity and the ability to beat defenders one-on-one. Napoli have reportedly tabled a five-year deal worth around €2.5 million per season after tax, plus significant bonuses. The Partenopei believe his signing would represent a major coup, beating out interest from several Premier League and La Liga clubs.
CSKA Moscow’ s Countermove
CSKA Moscow, however, are refusing to back down. The Russian Premier League side are prepared to offer Boca a higher transfer fee — in the region of €15 million plus add-ons — and could provide Zeballos with a more immediate starring role. Their head coach, Vladimir Fedotov, has personally reached out to the player’ s representatives, pitching a project built around the young Argentine. Financially, CSKA can match Napoli’ s wage offer, but the lure of playing in Italy’ s top flight and competing in the UEFA Champions League may ultimately tip the scales in Napoli’ s favor.
Boca Juniors, meanwhile, are in a strong negotiating position. Zeballos is under contract until December 2027 and carries a release clause of €30 million. While they would prefer to sell to the highest bidder, the club also respects the player’ s wishes and has not ruled out accepting a slightly lower fee to facilitate his preferred move.
Key Takeaways
- Napoli have verbally agreed personal terms with Exequiel Zeballos, but no deal has been finalised with Boca Juniors.
- CSKA Moscow are pushing hard to hijack the transfer and are ready to submit a higher offer to the selling club.
- Zeballos is one of Argentina’ s most exciting young wingers, likened to Angel Di Marí a for his style of play.
- The 20-year-old’ s contract includes a €30 million release clause, giving Boca leverage in negotiations.
- Napoli’ s ability to offer Champions League football could prove decisive in the race for his signature.
Quick Facts
Player: Exequiel Zeballos
Age: 20
Position: Right winger / Forward
Current Club: Boca Juniors
Career Appearances (Boca): 70+
Goals + Assists (Boca): 25 combined
Release Clause: €30 million
