# Boca Juniors squad updates and Zeballos transfer saga > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/boca-juniors-onfield-surprise-and-offfield-restructuring-plans > Updated: 2026-09-04T16:32:35.000Z. Sources: 146. Developments: 37. In mid‑July 2026, Boca Juniors completed the acquisitions of Colombian forward Sebastián Villa and goalkeeper Álvaro Montero. Villa, 30, arrived on a US$6.5 million four‑year deal, while Montero, 31, joined on a contract worth approximately US$4 million. Both joined the first‑team training under coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena. The club has faced significant uncertainty regarding midfielder Exequiel Zeballos. While a move to Napoli previously appeared likely, it stalled due to Financial Fair Play restrictions. In August, Celta de Vigo emerged as a concrete destination, with the player reportedly undergoing medical examinations. However, economic negotiations remained a hurdle, as Celta de Vigo’s €5 million (US$6 million) offer was met by a Boca Juniors demand for roughly US$8 million. As the transfer window progressed, the situation fluctuated. Reports suggested Zeballos might enter contract renewal talks if a sale failed to materialize this week, though he has expressed a desire to move to Europe. By late August, Napoli reportedly shifted its focus to evaluating a transfer for the winger in January 2027. Zeballos’s representative, Diego Merino, denied rumors of a free transfer, stating negotiations are occurring “club to club” to ensure a fee is paid. By late August, negotiations between Napoli and Boca Juniors intensified. Meetings held at Castel Volturno between Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna and Zeballos’s representatives, including agent Diego Merino and intermediary Massimo La Porta, aimed to assess deal feasibility. While Napoli and the player have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract, the clubs have yet to reach a consensus on financial terms. Zeballos, whose contract expires in December, has reportedly rejected a renewal. In early September 2026, Boca Juniors officially confirmed the sale of the 24-year-old forward to Italian Serie A club Monza. ## Claims - Boca Juniors is close to finalizing the transfer of Exequiel Zeballos to Parma. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Boca would retain 40% of a future sale. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The transfer is expected to be finalized before the European market closes on September 2. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Napoli and Celta de Vigo were previously interested but did not reach an agreement. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The proposal from Parma consists of 5 million euros plus 500,000 euros in bonuses. (single source) - Parma is looking to purchase more than 50% of Zeballos's rights. (single source) - Zeballos has a contract with Boca until December 2026. (single source) - Marco Pellegrino has fully recovered from a tear. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Exequiel Zeballos transfers from Boca Juniors to Monza Exequiel Zeballos has transferred from Boca Juniors to Italy's Monza for 4 million euros, ending a decade-long career with the Argentine club where he won five titles. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/exequiel-zeballos-transfers-from-boca-juniors-to-monza ### 2026-09-02: Exequiel Zeballos transfers from Boca Juniors to AC Monza Boca Juniors has sold forward Exequiel Zeballos to Italy's AC Monza for approximately 4.5 million euros, plus a 40% future sell-on clause. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/exequiel-zeballos-transfers-from-boca-juniors-to-ac-monza ### 2026-08-30: Exequiel Zeballos transfers from Boca Juniors to Monza Boca Juniors winger Exequiel Zeballos has transferred to Italian Serie A side Monza in a deal worth approximately 5 million euros, with Boca retaining a 40% stake in a future sale. 35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/exequiel-zeballos-nears-transfer-from-boca-juniors-to-parma ### 2026-08-27: Exequiel Zeballos reportedly accepts Parma proposal Boca Juniors winger Exequiel Zeballos has reportedly accepted a proposal from Parma, though Bologna has also entered the race for the player's signature. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/exequiel-zeballos-reportedly-accepts-parma-proposal ### 2026-08-25: Napoli and Boca Juniors negotiate Exequiel Zeballos transfer Napoli and Boca Juniors are negotiating the potential transfer of winger Exequiel Zeballos, who could join the Italian club in early 2027 as his current contract nears expiration. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/napoli-evaluates-transfer-of-exequiel-zeballos-from-boca-juniors ### 2026-08-16: Boca Juniors players Zeballos and Zenón face uncertain futures Boca Juniors players Exequiel Zeballos and Kevin Zenón are likely to remain with the club following a lack of European offers for Zeballos and the rejection of transfer terms involving Zenón. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-players-zeballos-and-zenn-face-uncertain-futures ### 2026-08-15: Exequiel Zeballos transfer at risk as Celta Vigo advances Napoli risks losing Boca Juniors' Exequiel Zeballos to Celta Vigo, as the player has reportedly undergone medicals with the Spanish club while Napoli struggles to finalize player departures. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/exequiel-zeballos-transfer-at-risk-as-celta-vigo-advances ### 2026-08-08: Exequiel Zeballos nears transfer from Boca Juniors to Celta de Vigo Boca Juniors forward Exequiel Zeballos is close to joining Celta de Vigo. Negotiations are ongoing after a Napoli move collapsed due to Financial Fair Play constraints. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-negotiates-exequiel-zeballos-transfer-to-celta-vigo ### 2026-07-19: Boca Juniors eye Luciano Gondou as Zeballos heads to Napoli Boca Juniors target striker Luciano Gondou, confirm Exequiel Zeballos’ €8.5 m Napoli move, and consider Gabriel Ávalos after Adam Bareiro’s injury. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-pursue-striker-signings-as-adam-bareiros-recovery-hangs-in-balance ### 2026-07-18: Boca Juniors signs Sebastián Villa and Álvaro Montero Boca Juniors announced the signings of Colombian striker Sebastián Villa and goalkeeper Álvaro Montero ahead of the Copa Sudamericana clash with O'Higgins. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-new-signings-montero-and-villa-train-eye-debut-vs-ohiggins ### 2026-07-18: Sebastian Villa returns to Boca Juniors, aiming to silence critics Colombian winger Sebastián Villa returns to Boca Juniors, facing fan criticism, and aims to prove his value in the upcoming Copa Sudamericana match on July 23. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sebastian-villa-returns-to-boca-juniors-aiming-to-silence-critics ### 2026-07-14: Aldosivi and Boca Juniors announce new squad number 10 players Aldosivi leaves its number 10 shirt open, eyeing Erik Ramírez, while Boca Juniors names 19‑year‑old Tomás Aranda as its new number 10. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aldosivi-and-boca-juniors-announce-new-squad-number-10-players ### 2026-07-14: South American clubs add key signings ahead of 2026 season Gimnasia, Millonarios, Atlético Nacional, Boca Juniors, O’Higgins and other South American clubs confirmed signings and preseason updates as the 2026 season nears. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-sign-colombian-goalkeeper-alvaro-montero-and-hunt-for-three-more-signings ### 2026-07-13: Boca Juniors signs Sebastián Villa as Napoli eyes Exequiel Zeballos Boca Juniors signed Sebastián Villa, Napoli offered €8‑10 m for Exequiel Zeballos, Adam Bareiro faces a lumbar injury, and squad numbers have been reshuffled. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-sign-colombian-striker-sebastin-villa-for-65-million ### 2026-07-11: Francisco Fydriszewski moves to Junior de Barranquilla as Sebastián Villa returns to Boca Juniors Francisco Fydriszewski leaves Independiente Medellín for Junior de Barranquilla, while Sebastián Villa returns to Boca Juniors after a $6.5 million deal. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/francisco-fydriszewski-moves-to-junior-de-barranquilla-as-sebastin-villa-returns-to-boca-juniors ### 2026-07-11: Boca Juniors completes signings of Sebastián Villa and Álvaro Montero Boca Juniors secured forward Sebastián Villa ($6.5 M, 4‑year deal) and goalkeeper Álvaro Montero ($4 M, 4‑year deal) as they bolster their squad for the 2026 season. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sebastin-villa-returns-to-boca-juniors ### 2026-07-05: Boca Juniors stalls Montero signing and eyes winger Luka Romero Boca Juniors' deal for goalkeeper Álvaro Montero stalls over fee and World Cup duties, while the club eyes winger Luka Romero from Cruz Azul, though no formal offer exists. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-transfer-talks-stall-over-fees-for-montero-and-nndez ### 2026-07-04: Boca Juniors begins pre‑season with two friendlies against Defensa y Justicia Boca Juniors opened pre‑season under Rodolfo Arruabarrena with two friendlies versus Defensa y Justicia, drawing 1‑1 then winning 1‑0, debuting Leandro Lozano and assessing the squad while transfer talks for Ál 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-coach-rodolfo-arruabarrena-sets-player-lineups-in-preseason-friendlies ### 2026-07-02: Sebastián Villa's Boca Juniors transfer delayed by Supercopa Argentina clause Independiente Rivadavia has blocked Sebastián Villa's transfer to Boca Juniors until he plays in the Supercopa Argentina on July 21, planning to use any sale money for stadium upgrades. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sebastin-villas-boca-juniors-transfer-delayed-by-supercopa-argentina-clause ### 2026-07-01: Boca Juniors close to re‑signing Colombian forward Sebastián Villa Boca Juniors are near a deal to re‑sign Colombian winger Sebastián Villa from Independiente Rivadavia, with contract terms agreed but the transfer fee still being negotiated. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-close-to-resigning-colombian-forward-sebastin-villa ### 2026-06-27: Boca Juniors Targets Five New Signings as Coach Arruabarrena Charts Transfer Strategy Boca Juniors added Lozano and Montero, eyeing up to five new signings while sidelined Martegani looks toward a Colombian loan; River Plate excluded Ian Subiabre, who risked sanction by playing amateur football. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-football-herrera-praises-galarza-luna-as-independiente-eyes-boca-defender-figales ### 2026-06-23: Boca Juniors intensifies transfer talks for Romaña, Villa and Zeballos Boca Juniors is close to securing transfers for winger Exequiel Zeballos, defender Jhohan Romaña and forward Sebastián Villa, with offers and negotiations underway. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-intensifies-transfer-talks-for-romaa-villa-and-zeballos ### 2026-06-23: Boca Juniors target goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli and other signings Boca Juniors pursue Marseille keeper Gerónimo Rulli (€9 m clause) and scout alternatives, eye winger Exequiel Zeballos amid Napoli interest, and consider forward Esequiel Barco pending Sebastián Villa's outcome 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-aaron-anselmino-and-toms-aranda-draw-interest-from-real-madrid-and-juventus ### 2026-06-20: Exequiel Zeballos signals intent to quit Boca Juniors for Europe Boca forward Exequiel Zeballos wants a European move, has not responded to a contract renewal offer, and remains out of talks with the club. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/exequiel-zeballos-signals-intent-to-quit-boca-juniors-for-europe ### 2026-06-17: Boca Juniors raises offer for Colombian forward Sebastián Villa, awaits Independiente Rivadavia response Boca Juniors has submitted a higher, formal offer to buy Colombian striker Sebastián Villa from Independiente Rivadavia after an initial bid fell short; the Argentine club awaits a response. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-raises-offer-for-colombian-forward-sebastin-villa-awaits-independiente-rivadavia-respon ### 2026-06-14: Boca Juniors eye Álvaro Montero while Deportes Recoleta sign veteran striker Felipe Flores Boca Juniors pursue Colombian keeper Álvaro Montero amid contract talks, while Chile’s Deportes Recoleta sign veteran striker Felipe Flores to aid their promotion bid. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-eye-lvaro-montero-while-deportes-recoleta-sign-veteran-striker-felipe-flores ### 2026-06-14: Boca Juniors eyes new coach and possible forward signing amid speculation Antonio Mohamed hopes for a Boca coaching role while the club, under incoming coach Arruabarrena, pursues forward Sebastián Villa after Serna confirmed his interest. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-eye-new-coach-and-possible-sebastin-villa-signing ### 2026-06-10: Boca Juniors opens talks for Colombian forward Villa and goalkeeper Montero Boca Juniors is negotiating the return of forward Sebastián Villa and pursuing goalkeeper Álvaro Montero, both Colombian internationals. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-opens-talks-for-colombian-forward-villa-and-goalkeeper-montero ### 2026-06-09: Boca Juniors negotiate $10 million deal for striker Sebastián Villa Boca Juniors aim to sign Sebastián Villa for about US$10 million as coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena plans a squad overhaul. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-negotiate-10-million-deal-for-striker-sebastin-villa ### 2026-06-09: Boca Juniors coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena pushes for decisions on Zeballos and Villa ahead of transfer window Boca Juniors coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena urges swift decisions on Exequiel Zeballos' contract and eyes Colombian winger Sebastián Villa amid transfer‑market planning. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-coach-rodolfo-arruabarrena-pushes-for-decisions-on-zeballos-and-villa-ahead-of-transfer ### 2026-06-07: Boca Juniors target Sebastián Villa as potential replacement for Zeballos Boca Juniors are negotiating to sign Colombian forward Sebastián Villa from Independiente Rivadavia for around $10 million, amid concerns that winger Exequiel Zeballos may leave. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-target-sebastin-villa-as-potential-replacement-for-zeballos ### 2026-06-06: Boca Juniors target Colombian striker Sebastián Villa in squad overhaul Boca Juniors aim to sign Colombian striker Sebastián Villa for $10 million as they refresh the squad, replace outgoing forwards, appoint Rodolfo Arruabarrena as coach, and prepare for the Copa Sudamericana. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-target-colombian-striker-sebastin-villa-in-squad-overhaul ### 2026-06-03: Boca Juniors eyes Sebastián Villa's return while hunting new coach Boca Juniors, led by Juan Román Riquelme, is hunting a new coach and has secured Colombian winger Sebastián Villa’s positive response to a return, with transfer cost negotiations underway. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-eyes-sebastin-villas-return-while-hunting-new-coach ### 2026-06-02: Universidad de Chile and Boca Juniors assess key player contract moves Universidad de Chile says Franco Calderón stays until 2027, while Boca Juniors eyes a possible return for Sebastián Villa with negotiations over a $10 million fee and potential player swap. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universidad-de-chile-and-boca-juniors-assess-key-player-contract-moves ### 2026-05-30: Sebastián Villa draws interest from Brazilian clubs and aims for Colombian side Atlético Nacional Colombian striker Sebastián Villa, currently at Independiente Rivadavia, is linked to three Brazilian clubs and has expressed a desire to join Atlético Nacional, despite past legal convictions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sebastin-villa-draws-interest-from-brazilian-clubs-and-aims-for-colombian-side-atltico-nacional ### 2026-05-17: Colombia's Ombudsman Calls for Sebastian Villa's Exclusion from National Team Over Gender‑Violence Convictions Colombia's ombudsman urges the football federation to drop Sebastian Villa, citing his gender‑violence conviction and the jersey's symbolic responsibility. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombias-ombudsman-calls-for-sebastian-villas-exclusion-from-national-team-over-genderviolence-conv ### 2026-05-13: Sebastián Villa pushes for Boca Juniors comeback and targets Colombia’s 2026 World Cup squad Sebastián Villa, now at Independiente Rivadavia, seeks a Boca Juniors return and claims a spot on Colombia’s 2026 World Cup pre‑list. 41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sebastin-villa-pushes-for-boca-juniors-comeback-and-targets-colombias-2026-world-cup-squad --- Cite as: Boca Juniors squad updates and Zeballos transfer saga. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/boca-juniors-onfield-surprise-and-offfield-restructuring-plans