Chelsea ‘join the race’ with Napoli for Lazio defender Mario Gila | OneFootball

According to La Repubblica, Chelsea have joined the chase for Lazio defender Mario Gila, adding to interest from Napoli and others in Italy and abroad.

Gila, 26, signed in 2022 and has grown into one of Serie A's standout centre-backs. His deal runs to June 2027, so his future is uncertain.

Real Madrid hold a 50% sell-on, meaning Lazio would receive only half of any fee, and Madrid would effectively enjoy a 50% discount if they moved. Claudio Lotito is said to have set a €30 million price and is prepared to keep him until his contract expires next year, though the player could press for a move amid rising interest.

Napoli have recently been viewed as frontrunners, particularly after choosing Massimiliano Allegri as their next head coach. The Livorno-born coach had planned to take the Barcelona-born defender to AC Milan before his sacking at the end of the season.

The same report also lists Juventus, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid among admirers. Lotito had promised Gennaro Gattuso to keep Gila at Formello unless an irresistible offer of €30 million or more arrived, but whether he holds that line remains unclear.

Source: The Laziali