TBR Football understands that a number of Premier League clubs are closely watching Lazio’s star defender Mario Gila, with Tottenham Hotspur being the latest side to join the race for his services.
The former Real Madrid stopper has emerged as one of Serie A’s top defenders since moving to the Italian capital in 2022, making over 60 league appearances and seeing 20 European outings after his debut in October of that year.
We can reveal that Tottenham are watching Gila – whose contract at Lazio expires in 2027 – to come into their defence, potentially bolstering their ranks as backup for mainstay duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
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However, there is also interest from fellow Premier League sides Crystal Palace, Brighton and Everton, who are all keen on bringing the Spaniard to the top-flight after some impressive performances under former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri.
Gila is yet to win a full cap for Spain, but was called up to the full squad earlier this year for their Nations League clash with the Netherlands in March.
Mario Gila of Lazio playing in Serie A vs Genoa
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Exclusive: Tottenham join race for Mario Gila, but they face Premier League competition
TBR Football can also exclusively reveal through chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that Bournemouth held talks for Gila in the summer, as they considered him as a potential replacement for Real Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen and new Paris Saint-Germain defender Ilya Zabarnyi, who both departed the Vitality Stadium after a solid year under Andoni Iraola.
With the Cherries having made their advances, that could throw a spanner in the works for Tottenham in their bid to land Gila, who made two appearances for Madrid in La Liga in the 2021-22 campaign.
Bournemouth have a superb track record of developing defenders, with the likes of Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez and Nathan Ake to name but a few learning their craft on the south coast. Gila could be next, and their success in the defensive department is a strong sign that he could be the next man to fill in.
But that would be a blow for Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, who is keen to add the 25-year-old into his ranks after a solid start to the campaign.
Whether Spurs could offer Gila first-team football remains to be seen, but with interest there, they could be ready to step up the chase for the nine-time Spain under-21 international.
Thomas Frank of Tottenham Hotspur prepares to face Leeds United in the Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Tottenham’s superb form could see Mario Gila opt for Champions League move over transfer rivals
Tottenham’s solid start to the Premier League campaign was extended on Saturday after a 2-1 win over Leeds United at Elland Road, and there is growing confidence that they can qualify for the Champions League next season.
Goals from permanent summer additions Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus cancelled out Noah Okafor’s equaliser for the Yorkshire outfit, moving Tottenham into third place in the league, just two points off top and with one defeat to their name in seven matches.
It’s been a great start to life for Thomas Frank, as his side remain unbeaten away from home in the top-flight, as well as failing to lose in the Champions League.
If that form continues, it will see the North London club feature in Europe’s premier cup competition once again next season, and that could see Gila opt for a Spurs move over the likes of Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Everton, despite each club starting the season relatively well.
A top four finish will be vital to Tottenham’s chances of attracting top talents and Gila would be no different.