S.S. Lazio is at the heart of a new transfer saga: Spanish defender Mario Gila, born in 2000, could leave the club for around €25 million. Interest is high, with Atalanta ready to outbid Napoli to secure the young talent before his contract expires in 2027.
Who is Mario Gila and why is he so sought after?
Mario Gila arrived in Rome in 2022 from Real Madrid, bringing a record of four seasons with 120 appearances across all competitions and two goals. A central defender of good height, he is considered one of the best elements of the biancoceleste defence, capable of reading the game and intervening both in the defensive zone and higher up. His contract runs until 2027, making the situation delicate: the club wants to cash in now to avoid losing him for free.
Why does Napoli want Gila?
Napoli, led by Massimiliano Allegri, has long listed Gila as a target to strengthen its back line. President Aurelio De Laurentiis, awaiting the appointment of a new coach, has expressed a desire to close the deal quickly, but negotiations are hampered by the player's demands and possible tactical insertions. Napoli sees Gila as a player who can raise the squad's overall quality.
How does Atalanta fit into the race?
According to Il Mattino, Atalanta under Giuntoli and new manager Maurizio Sarri has decided to put forward a €25 million offer. The figure, if confirmed, could tip the scales in favor of the nerazzurri, making their proposal more attractive than Napoli's.
| Club | Offer (million €) |
|---|---|
| Atalanta | 25 |
| Napoli | undisclosed |
What are the next steps?
The final decision rests with Manna, sporting director of S.S. Lazio, who must evaluate the offers and contractual conditions. If the Atalanta deal materialises, Gila will leave the capital for the province of Bergamo, leaving a gap in the biancoceleste defence that will need to be filled. Otherwise, Napoli remains in contention but will likely need to raise its bid to convince the Laziale board.
What does this mean for S.S. Lazio?
A €25 million sale would represent a significant profit for S.S. Lazio, allowing reinvestment in other areas of the squad or strengthening the club's finances. However, losing Gila could weaken the defence, especially if the team does not find a comparable replacement. Balancing financial gain with sporting continuity will be the core of the final decision.
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