Napoli Risk Missing Out on Gila as Lazio Receive a Higher Offer | OneFootball

Mario Gila is apparently heading out of Lazio, but his next destination could be Atalanta rather than Napoli.

The Background

The 25-year-old Spanish defender still has one year left on his contract with the Italian capital club. But while Claudio Lotito and Co. prefer to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for free next June, they aren’t willing to make any discounts on their €25-30 million asking price, at least for now. After all, Lazio will have to share the profit with Real Madrid, who have a 50% sell-on fee.

Napoli Have an Agreement with Mario Gila, But Not Lazio With Lazio

In recent weeks, Napoli cemented themselves as the ultimate favorites in the race for the defender’s services. The Partenopei have even agreed personal terms with the player’s agent, Alejandro Camano. Therefore, a five-year contract with a €3 million net salary awaits Gila in Naples.

But as Alfredo Pedulla reports, Napoli have yet to find an accord with Lazio, leaving the whole operation in jeopardy. The Italian journalist reveals that Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club has only offered €15 million plus bonuses thus far, which remains far from Lazio’s price tag, even though Napoli are willing to add a counterpart to the negotiations, namely Rafa Marin or Lorenzo Lucca.

Atalanta & Maurizio Sarri Trying to Snatch Gila

On the other hand, Atalanta have come closer to Lazio’s asking price with their offer, surpassing the €20 million threshold (including add-ons). Moreover, Pedulla notes that Gila remains fond of his former head coach Maurizio Sarri, so he could be enticed by a reunion in Bergamo.

Therefore, Napoli must accelerate their negotiations with the Aquile; otherwise, they risk losing the tug-of-war despite starting the race in pole position.