Chelsea are weighing up an approach for Lazio centre-back Mario Gila, according to reports.
The Blues (along with Liverpool and Arsenal) were not able to convince Dean Huijsen to reject the advances of Real Madrid and TEAMtalk claim they have “set their sights” on an alternative.
Gila is expected to be available for a much lower fee than Huijsen, with Lazio set to demand a figure in the region of €30m (£25m). It is thought that the money saved on bringing in the 24-year-old, rather than a more expensive option, will allow the Blues more room for manoeuvre when pursuing other transfer targets.
Real will be involved in the deal for Gila
Lazio actually signed the Spaniard from Real Madrid’s academy in the summer of 2022 and the La Liga side will be due a percentage of the transfer fee because of a sell-on clause.
There is also expected to be competition for Gila, with Inter Milan keen on signing the centre-half. The Nerazzurri have already secured Champions League football for next season, while Enzo Maresca’s side have not. Ensuring that they qualify for the top European competition will help the London club compete on on evening footing for the player’s signature.
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Chelsea may still target another centre-half
While an approach for Gila is under consideration, it should be pointed out that Jorrel Hato had been tipped as the club’s main alternative to Huijsen by journalist Fabrizio Romano.
However, the Dutchman will also have plenty of suitors, and his club Ajax are not expected to let him leave on the cheap either.
It is, therefore, not a surprise that the Blues are casting their net far and wide as they try to shore up the backline ahead of next season.
Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here