Napoli just made their first formal offer to Boca Juniors for Exequiel Zeballos, dropping just under €10m to get their man. This isn't some quiet backroom talk either, with multiple sources already noting that the club swooped in for the 24-year-old talent. It's a bold move, but when you look at the circumstances, it totally makes sense why Napoli is pushing hard now.
Why Boca Juniors Has To Make A Move
This isn't your typical long-term contract negotiation where a club can hold out for big money. Zeballos's current deal with Boca Juniors is set to expire on December 31 this year. Sure, there's a release clause in his contract for €14.5m, but with only a few months left on his deal, that asking price just isn't going to fly. Transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano himself confirmed that Napoli finally made this initial offer, clocking in at $10m, which fits right with what Sportitalia expert Alfredo Pedullà reported on July 9. Boca Juniors is in a tough spot, and Napoli knows it. They're making a calculated play to snatch a versatile forward who can primarily play wide right in a trident attack, but also handle the left side or even a center-forward role.Zeballos's Heart Is Set On Napoli
It's no secret where Exequiel Zeballos wants to play. TyC Sports reported all the way back in May that he'd already agreed personal terms with Napoli. The kid has his heart set on playing at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, determined to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Argentina star. How do we know he's that serious? He actually turned down a lucrative contract extension to stay with Boca Juniors! This isn't about the money for Zeballos, it's about the dream. This is clearly a player who knows what he wants, and it looks like his path to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is wide open. Boca Juniors has a serious decision to make, and fast, if they don't want to lose their talent for even less.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.