According to Marca, Real Madrid are close to selling centre-back Mario Gila to Lazio. The Spanish club will receive 6 million euros for 50 per cent of his rights, which is 1 million more than was expected. The allure of living in the Italian capital and playing in the Europa League was key for Gila signing for the Biancocelesti.
Lazio initially intended to sign Gila on loan, with the option of signing him permanently from Real Madrid next year. However, it appears that they intend land the 21-year-old him on a permanent basis. The Serie A side have lost free agent Luiz Felipe, and the rest of their central defensive lineup does not inspire much confidence.
While Patric is a reliable customer at the heart of Lazio’s defence, Francesco Acerbi and Stefan Radu are in their thirties. Furthermore, Acerbi’s future at Stadio Olimpico is uncertain due to links with fellow Serie A giants AC Milan and Inter Milan. As a result, the Biancocelesti must prioritise the acquisition of a centre-back this summer.
Gila has a high ceiling and could be a valuable addition to Maurizio Sarri’s squad. While he was unable to establish himself in Real Madrid’s first-team setup, he should have a bright future in Serie A with Lazio.
Marca claims Lazio will sign the Spaniard on a permanent basis, but Real Madrid will retain a half of his rights, a strategy that has worked well for them recently. Furthermore, Madrid will have the right of first refusal, making it a solid deal from their standpoint. Gila, on the other hand, is about to embark on a new adventure in Serie A.
Gila is a Barcelona native who spent his formative years with a number of clubs before graduating from the Real Madrid youth system. The 21-year-old has been with Los Blancos since 2018 and has quickly risen through the ranks in the Spanish capital over the last four years, becoming a pivotal figure for Real Madrid Castilla.
This past season, the Spanish defender made his first-team debut after the club had already won the league. Gila’s time with the Merengues, however, will come to an end in the summer transfer window, as he will not be a first-team regular anytime soon.
