The transfer market for Italian football is heating up as Atalanta has officially entered the race for highly-rated Lazio defender Mario Gila. This development introduces a new dynamic to Gila's future, as his former coach, Maurizio Sarri, now at the helm of Atalanta, expresses a strong desire to bring the talented player to his new club. This move could potentially derail Napoli's long-standing pursuit of the defender, who has been negotiating a transfer to the Partenopei.
Atalanta Challenges Napoli in Bid for Lazio's Mario Gila
In a surprising turn of events in the summer transfer window, Atalanta has positioned itself as a serious contender for Lazio's promising defender, Mario Gila. The 25-year-old Spanish center-back, who has just one year remaining on his contract with Lazio, is widely expected to depart Formello. While Napoli had been leading the chase, reportedly securing a five-year agreement with Gila for a net salary of €3 million per season, the two clubs have yet to finalize a transfer fee.
Lazio's president, Claudio Lotito, has set an asking price of €25-30 million for Gila, a valuation influenced by a 50% sell-on clause held by Gila's former club, Real Madrid. Napoli's initial offer stood at a more modest €15 million, and they have been exploring options to bridge the financial gap, including proposing player-plus-cash deals involving Lorenzo Lucca or Rafa Marin.
However, the landscape of the transfer battle shifted dramatically when Atalanta, under the guidance of former Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri, entered the negotiations. According to insights from Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Sarri is a keen admirer of Gila and has personally requested his acquisition. Atalanta has wasted no time, conducting a thorough inquiry and subsequently submitting a €20 million bid for the defender. Although still below Lazio's asking price, this offer surpasses Napoli's current proposal, putting pressure on Aurelio De Laurentiis' club to reconsider their stance and potentially raise their bid in the coming hours to secure Gila's services.
This intriguing development highlights the competitive nature of the transfer market and the significant influence a coach's desire for a specific player can have. Sarri's reunion with Gila at Atalanta would undoubtedly be a narrative to follow, showcasing a coach's faith in a former pupil. For Napoli, it presents a critical juncture where they must decide how aggressively they are willing to pursue Gila, particularly now that a strong rival has emerged. The coming days will reveal whether Atalanta can successfully snatch Gila from under Napoli's nose or if the Partenopei will respond with an improved offer to secure their long-sought target.