Real Madrid face fresh competition from AC Milan in race for former academy defender | OneFootball

Mario Gila is currently one of the hottest defensive prospects in Serie A right now, thanks to his blazing performances at Lazio.

Formerly of the Real Madrid youth team, Gila joined Lazio in 2022, in a deal worth €6 million and has never had to look back since.

The Spaniard has established himself as a key player at Lazio, leading to interest from several clubs across Europe.

Even Real Madrid were linked with a move for Gila, as the club are desperate for reinforcements in the defensive unit.

Milan join race to sign Gila

Real Madrid, though, are not the only player tracking the progress of Gila, with even Inter Milan interested in his services.

What’s in store for Gila next summer? (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

But in recent days, AC Milan, too, have joined the race to sign the former Real Madrid youth player, reports La Lazio Siamo Noi.

AC Milan’s interest in Gila comes on the back of uncertainty over the future of Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw, two defenders who are on the radar of Premier League clubs.

Milan consider Gila to be an ideal replacement for Tomori or Thiaw and are, therefore, weighing up a move for the Spaniard.

Real Madrid, for their part, have not lost sight of Gila either. However, their move for the Spaniard could depend on multiple factors.

It must be noted that Gila is not the only defender Real Madrid are monitoring, as the club look to add more depth into the defensive unit next season.

Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig is seen as the preferred option for Los Blancos’ chief scout Juni Calafat.

Meanwhile, the club have other priorities in the transfer market, including the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies.

Therefore, it will be interesting to see whether or not Gila remains a key target for Los Blancos next summer.