AC Milan Owner Sanctions Onslaught for Lazio Wantaway

AC Milan have reportedly received the green light to pursue Lazio defender Mario Gila from the highest authority at the club.

The Battle for Mario Gila is Heating Up

The 25-year-old still has one year left on his contract, and neither side appears to be pushing for a renewal. Therefore, most observers expect the centre-back to be sold in the summer. In recent weeks, the Spaniard has been linked with a host of clubs in Italy and Europe, including Napoli, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid.

Nevertheless, Milan have long been his staunchest admirers, with the club’s sporting director, Igli Tare, keen to reunite with the defender whom he had brought to Lazio back in 2022.

Gerry Cardinale Gives Milan the Green Light to Sign Gila

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tare isn’t Gila’s only sponsor at Milan, as Massimiliano Allegri is also a fan of the Barcelona native, and the club’s owner, Gerry Cardinale, has given his blessing for the pursuit. The Italo-American businessman is ready to satisfy the head coach’s demands by signing a top-notch player for every department.

Lazio Set Asking Price for Gila

The pink newspaper nonetheless warns the San Siro outfit about the stern competition for the player’s services. And yet, the biggest obstacle facing the Diovolo is Lazio president Claudio Lotito, who won’t relinquish one of his best players on the cheap.

Despite Gila’s expiring contract, the Biancocelesti patron is seeking a transfer fee of €20-25 million, as half of the sum will head to the player’s former employers, Real Madrid, who retain a 50% sell-on fee. Therefore, if Lotito’s price isn’t met, Gila could be kept at Formello for another year before leaving on a free transfer in 2027.