Mario Gila’s time at Lazio will likely end this summer. Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, and several European outlets place Aston Villa at the front of a crowded transfer race for the 25-year-old Spaniard. The Barcelona-born centre-back joined Lazio from Real Madrid for €6 million in July 2022. He has since become one of the most dependable defenders in Serie A. Gila has made over 110 appearances for the Roman side. He even earned a spot in The Athletic’s Serie A Team of the Season for 2024–25.
Lazio’s Defensive Rock Faces an Uncertain Summer as Aston Villa lock in
Lazio previously rejected a €35 million offer from Chelsea and a €40 million package from Bournemouth. However, the situation has shifted as his contract clock ticks down. His current deal expires in June 2027. The parties remain far apart on a renewal agreement. Lazio now prefer a summer sale rather than losing him for a low fee a year later. Corriere dello Sport reports that Lazio believe a €30 million fee could trigger his departure. This figure includes a major catch. Real Madrid kept a 50% sell-on clause when they sold him in 2022. This means the Spanish giants would take half of any transfer fee.
Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Everton, Tottenham, Chelsea, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid have all shown interest. The Villans show the most serious intent. Unai Emery personally identified Gila as a target. Emery wants a defender with strong passing and anticipation for his system. AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare originally brought Gila to Lazio and wants a reunion.
This gives the Rossoneri confidence, even though they prefer a lower fee. Meanwhile, Inter Milan made progress in talks with Gila’s agent, Alejandro Camano. However, Lazio reportedly prefer sending him abroad instead of strengthening a domestic rival. This preference helps the Premier League clubs. The Corriere dello Sport headline on 19th March 2026: “Aston Villa considering Gila: €30m”, showed exactly where the momentum sits.
Gila played for Spain’s U21 side at the 2023 UEFA European Championship. Spain reached the final but lost to England. He has caught the eye of the senior Spanish squad but has not earned a full international cap yet. That chapter of his career remains open.
Do Aston Villa Actually Need Gila?
Here is the honest take on the situation. Aston Villa might pay €30 million for a player whose contract ends in 2027. Real Madrid would immediately take €15 million of that. Villa would spend €30 million gross to own 100% of the player’s resale rights. On paper, this looks straightforward. Villa need defensive help because Tyrone Mings faces an uncertain future at Villa Park. Gila fits Emery’s style perfectly.
However, Chelsea, Milan, and Inter are all watching. Lazio want a bidding war to drive up the price. Villa risk overpaying for a player who has never played in the Premier League and lacks senior international experience. The smarter move involves staying disciplined. Villa could let the auction grow and check back in January 2027. At that point, Gila would enter the final six months of his deal. Still, football rarely rewards patience over quick action.
