Lazio’s Backline Could be Dismantled as Stalwart Wants Napoli ‘At All Costs’ | OneFootball

Lazio defender Mario Gila is reportedly determined to join Napoli, who have emerged as the favorites to secure his services, especially after reaching an agreement with their next manager, Massimiliano Allegri.

Mario Gila Aiming to Leave Lazio

Incoming Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso could inherit a depleted defence, as Alessio Romagnoli has reportedly received the green light to join Al-Sadd, while first-choice goalkeeper Ivan Provedel is closing in on a transfer to Inter Milan. Moreover, the club has been handed a major dilemma concerning Gila’s future.

The Spaniard still has one year left on his contract, but the Biancocelesti would have to share the transfer fee with his former employers, Real Madrid, who have a 50% sell-on fee. Therefore, Lazio president Claudio Lotito has named his price at €30 million, and is considering keeping the 26-year-old at Formello until his contract expires in June 2027.

Mario Gila Adamant About Joining Napoli

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Gila is eager to sign for Napoli ‘at all costs’. The Barcelona native isn’t expected to publicly express his desire to leave Lazio out of respect for the club, but he wants to leave Rome this summer in favor of a more ambitious project.

It should also be noted that Gila remains one of Lazio’s lowest-paid players with a yearly salary of €1 million, despite cementing himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A. The centre-back is expected to communicate his decision to Gattuso, who has already arrived at Formello.

Lazio Given a Major Conundrum

It remains to be seen if Lazio will be willing to grant the defender his wish by selling him to Napoli, even if they don’t receive a fully satisfying offer, or instead force him to remain in the Italian capital for another year. Pedulla notes that in the second case, they risk accommodating a demotivated player who already has his mind on his next chapter in his career.