Mario Gila, Lazio and the market battle between Milan and Inter Milan

Mario Gila attracts interest from Milan and Inter Milan as Lazio evaluate a possible sale

Mario Gila has become the name most strongly linked to Inter Milan in recent hours as the club evaluates defensive options for the future. 

The Spanish centre-back is under contract with Lazio until 2027 and, given the club’s challenges on the transfer market, a potential sale cannot be completely ruled out. However, as reported by Corriere della Sera via Fcinter1908, such a scenario would create tension between Maurizio Sarri and the club’s management.

Lazio paid €6million (£5.1m) for Gila in 2022. Both Milan — influenced by Igli Tare, who discovered him and brought him to Rome — and Inter Milan are tracking the player and could put forward offers in the region of €20million (£17.1m). 

Even though 50% of any resale profit must be sent to Real Madrid, the transaction would still generate a meaningful gain. Sarri, however, is reportedly against the idea of letting him go.

Who Mario Gila Is?

Mario Gila is a Spanish defender who grew up in the Real Madrid youth academy, a highly demanding environment where he developed technical precision, positional awareness, and composure under pressure. 

After excelling with Real Madrid Castilla, he made his debut for Carlo Ancelotti’s first team, demonstrating maturity and confidence beyond his years. 

Those early experiences shaped his ability to handle the ball cleanly and remain calm in tight spaces — qualities that still define his style today. 

In 2022, Lazio identified his potential and invested €6million (£5.1m) to bring him to Serie A.

Where he played and how he developed

Since arriving in Rome, Gila has continued to grow. He has evolved into a proactive and aggressive central defender, quick to anticipate passes and sharp in reading attacking movements before they develop. 

Despite not being exceptionally tall, he handles aerial duels with conviction and excels in recovery situations, especially when defending in open space. 

His comfort in possession stands out: Gila can initiate build-up play with clarity, break lines with well-timed vertical passes, and stay composed when facing a high press — traits that come directly from his Real Madrid schooling.

Why he appeals to Inter Milan

Gila’s profile naturally appeals to Inter Milan. He would bring both youth and technical quality, fitting seamlessly into the club’s long-term plan to refresh its defensive core. 

His ability to play out from the back, combined with strong tactical intelligence, makes him an ideal candidate for a modern, possession-oriented side. Inter Milan value his blend of potential and immediate reliability, seeing him as an investment capable of growing significantly over time.

For these reasons, it is no surprise that clubs could push their offers toward €20million  (£17.1m) — a figure that complicates the matter for Lazio, especially considering Sarri’s firm opposition to losing a player he regards as central to the future of his defence.