Mario Gila
Mario Gila is increasingly likely to leave Lazio in the summer, as Aston Villa are given transfer encouragement.
As of now, the Spaniard’s contract in Rome runs out in the summer of 2027. With Lazio struggling financially for a while, they do not want to lose him for free next year.
They have faced disappointment in attempts to hand him a new deal, which is making a sale necessary.
Previously, Corriere dello Sport have pushed Aston Villa as a suitor, alongside AC Milan and Inter Milan. This was covered bySport Witness, with the two Madrid clubs also said to be in the picture.
Now, Lazio’s stance is becoming increasingly clear about the situation.
Lotito stance proving key
Today,Corriere dello Sport delve deep into the ex-Real Madrid player’s situation. A warning is sent to Mario Gila’s potential suitors, with CEO Claudio Lotito expected to be a difficult person to deal with.
The example of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is presented, as the Serbian’s agent met problems before the sale to Al-Hilal.
The situation will also be stiff for Gila’s own agent and for clubs like Aston Villa. A fee of €25-30m will be demanded, with Inter and Milan now mainly presented as interested clubs.
The two Milan giants can run the risk of being outbid, as English clubs have more financial capacity. Besides, Lazio and Lotito would ideally want that, as evident from Taty Castellanos’ sale to West Ham.
There is clear hope for Aston Villa, with Corriere dello Sport saying €25m to €30m is the current price tag. Even if Lotito is presented as a bit of a difficult man to deal with, that price tag will not really be a problem for the Villans. It would only be an issue for Inter or Milan.
Given Aston Villa were presented as being willing to pay €30m just a few weeks ago, this transfer looks doable. Indeed, Villa may even be able to get Mario Gila for less.
At the time, the following was stated: ‘Aston Villa are the most interested, ready to put around €30m on the table’
Our take: Aston Villa transfer looks possible
It is important to note that Lazio had a transfer ban last summer. This is what forced them into making capital gains, leading to the sales of Castellanos and Matteo Guendouzi.
This hasn’t ended their troubles entirely, especially with the Champions League looking like a far-fetched dream.
Lazio seem set to launch themselves into a new project too, with Maurizio Sarri likely to leave. That is why they want to start from a clean slate and Gila’s sale will make sense.