Parma are close to reaching an agreement to sign Boca Juniors forward Ezequiel Zeballos, according to respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
The 20-year-old had attracted interest from CSKA Moscow in July, when the Russian club attempted to bring him to the capital. However, the latest information suggests Parma are now in a strong position to complete a deal for the Argentina international.
The precise terms of the proposed transfer have not yet been disclosed. It is also unclear whether the clubs have reached a final agreement or how the fee would be structured. Nevertheless, Zeballos’ contractual situation is understood to be central to the negotiations.
His current deal with Boca Juniors expires at the end of 2026 and, according to the report, will not be extended. That leaves the Argentine club facing a decision over whether to sell the player while there is still time remaining on his contract, rather than risk losing further value later.
As a result, Zeballos could be available for a relatively favourable price. Boca Juniors are not expected to take an especially hard line in negotiations, meaning Parma may be able to secure the attacking player without paying a prohibitive fee.
The possible move would take Zeballos from one of Argentina’s most prominent clubs to a Parma side competing in Italy’s top division. Parma began their league campaign with a narrow defeat by Cagliari in the opening round of the Italian championship.
Zeballos has therefore emerged as a player of interest to clubs in both Russia and Italy during the current transfer period. CSKA Moscow made their approach in July, but Parma now appear to have moved ahead in the race for his signature.
No completion date for the deal has been provided, and further details are still awaited. For now, the key development is that the player is reportedly nearing an agreement with Parma, despite the earlier attempt by CSKA Moscow to recruit him.
The situation also places Boca Juniors in a position where the end of Zeballos’ contract is an important factor. With an extension ruled out, the club may be prepared to negotiate his departure on terms that make the transfer attractive to Parma.
