Aston Villa have regularly been mentioned as a suitor for Lazio’s Mario Gila in recent weeks. Their task is now getting complex, as AC Milan push for a deal.
Last month, Sport Witness covered TuttoSport’s claims about the Villans’ interest in the defender.
It didn’t end there, as Gila’s agent Alejandro Camano spoke about his client last week. He clarified that no clubs have approached him yet, but he remains open to offers.
It was the biggest sign yet that the defender’s time at Lazio is running close to the end. His contract runs out in 2027 and no renewal has been in sight.
AC Milan are now pushing for his signature and this comes as a warning to Aston Villa.
Personal agreements in place
Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo has tweeted about the 25-year-old, whose absence was felt by Lazio in their 3-3 draw against Udinese on Monday.
The Rossoneri have now made new contact for Gila and have a draft agreement over personal terms in place. This is driving the deal forward, with the club now seeking permission from the RedBird ownership before pushing through.
As of now, Lazio want €25m for the defender. Milan might take some time to initiate contact with the Roman club but it is believed a deal is very much possible.
Whether Aston Villa use that time to make their own advances remains to be seen. But Gazzetta dello Sport – via LaLazioSiamoNoi, claim that Milan are unlikely to go beyond €25m in a deal.
This limit can also attract suitors, with Lazio CEO Claudio Lotito unlikely to make a transfer easy.
Our take: Lotito holds the key
Historically, Lotito has been a very difficult negotiator in the market. Infamously, he has caused problems to Lazio players and their agents in the past, often pushing them away from staying in Italy and moving abroad.
That is one reason why Aston Villa can never be ruled out as a destination for the defender. Besides that, Lazio aren’t in a great financial situation themselves and have no choice but to sanction a sale.
Italian clubs might not have as much financial power as the Villans and this can sway things in Unai Emery’s favour.
