AC Milan have reached an agreement with Lazio to sign defender Mario Gila for a reported fee of around €30 million, including bonuses. The deal brings to an end a week of negotiations that saw an earlier bid rejected by the Rome-based club.
According to Sky Sport Italia and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the Rossoneri will pay a fixed fee of approximately €27 million to €28 million, with additional bonuses taking the total package to the €30 million mark. The 25-year-old Spanish centre-back is expected to undergo a medical before signing a five-year contract worth between €4 million and €5 million per season.
The Real Madrid Factor
A significant element of the negotiations involved Real Madrid, who are entitled to 50% of the transfer fee under the terms of Gila’s 2022 move to the Stadio Olimpico. This sell-on clause means Lazio will retain only €15 million from the transaction, with the remainder returning to the Spanish giants.
Gila joined Lazio from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 for a reported €6 million. He had recently entered the final year of his contract with the Biancocelesti and informed the club that he did not intend to sign an extension, effectively forcing a sale this window to maximise his value.
Negotiation Breakthrough
The agreement follows the rejection of Milan’s opening offer earlier in the week. Gianluca Di Marzio reported that an initial proposal of €25 million plus €2 million in bonuses was turned down, leaving a gap of roughly €5 million between the clubs’ valuations.
Milan’s improved bid satisfied Lazio’s demands, allowing the deal to progress despite interest from domestic rivals Napoli and Atalanta, who had previously registered their interest in the defender. The Rossoneri secured a broad agreement with the player himself several days ago, giving them the advantage in negotiations.
Gila becomes Milan’s second major signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of forward Gonçalo Ramos. Manager Ruben Amorim has identified the Spaniard as a key target to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the new campaign.