Chelsea’s priority this summer will almost certainly be bringing in a new centre-back or two, with the club’s leaky defence among Liam Rosenior’s biggest problems, and Lazio’s Mario Gila is a target.
Despite boasting a wealth of centre-back options, Chelsea continue to struggle defensively, and it is now hindering their chances of Champions League qualification. Plenty have called for an experienced player.
One to come in and lead the back line, allowing others to learn from him. Troy Deeney thinks Chelsea would “love” to sign Everton’s James Tarkowski, and while unlikely, that experience could be the answer.
One of many problems on the pitch at the moment 🤦♂️
Chelsea's Wesley Fofana
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Chelsea have been linked with numerous centre-back options, including Kim Min-jae, Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, and, more recently, Milan’s Serbian powerhouse Strahinja Pavlovic. Another option is Gila.
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It is approaching four years since Gila left Real Madrid for Lazio, after managing just two senior outings for The Galacticos. He has since become one of Serie A’s best defenders, clocking north of 100 matches.
Football, Italian Serie A: SS Lazio vs AC Milan
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Earlier this month, reports indicated Chelsea are looking at £26m-rated Gila. The Spanish ace has been excellent for Lazio, but the Biancocelesti are more than aware of the interest Gila is generating.
Indeed, Gila’s contract expires in the summer of 2027, and if Lazio cannot extend his contract, then they will have to place the defender on the transfer market if they are to take in top dollar for the defender.
Well, Gila has helped Lazio make that decision, but probably not the decision Lazio wanted. Gazzetta Dello Sport claim Gila has made it clear to the Lazio hierarchy that he won’t be signing a new contract.
Why Chelsea want to sign Gila, he’s the third-best in Serie A
Chelsea are not the only club interested in signing Gila. Indeed, the GDS report claim that both Milan clubs are trailing Gila with Alessandro Bastoni expected to leave Inter this summer, and join Barcelona.
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Pavlovic could leave Milan, and it leaves Lazio’s Gila as an option to replace either Pavlovic or Bastoni, both of whom have also been linked with Chelsea. But there is a reason why Gila is a target for Chelsea.
The Blues have struggled when it comes to defending crosses. Both goals against Arsenal in the last league outing, the equaliser against Burnley, and so many more. They lack a duel-winning defender.
Well, Gila is currently third-best in Serie A for duels won. The Spaniard has won 66.7% of duels both aerially and on the ground, behind only Bastoni (68.2%) and Juventus star Gleison Bremer (71.4%).
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