Napoli director Giovanni Manna has informed Boca Juniors that the club will only pursue Exequiel Zeballos ‘for the right conditions,’ or else they are prepared to wait for him to become a free agent in January 2027.

It is widely known that the attacking winger has already reached personal terms with Napoli, which is why he has rejected all attempts by Boca Juniors to renew his contract.

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His current deal concludes on December 31, leading Napoli to feel that an offer of just under €10m is reasonable under the circumstances, whereas Boca seek the full €14.5m release clause.

With little progress made, Manna issued a warning during today’s press conference.

Manna Sets Scene for Zeballos

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MAY 19: Otavio of Cruzeiro blocks a shot from Exequiel Zeballos of Boca Juniors during a Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 group D match between Boca Juniors and Cruzeiro at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on May 19, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

“We like Zeballos; his career was stalled by injuries, but we’ve had negotiations over the last six to eight months, that’s part of the game,” said the Napoli director of sport.

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“The dynamics of the transfer market can change and affect things. He is of interest, and if there are the right conditions, then we’ll do a deal. Otherwise no, if he waits for us, then we’ll wait for him…

“We are interested in many players; he gets more attention because he’s at Boca Juniors and his contract is running down.”

Boca Juniors chief Juan Roman Riquelme also responded in the last 24 hours.

“Zeballos has a contract with us until December. I don’t know if he’s going to Napoli. I am the President of Boca; I have nothing to do with Napoli.”