PSG accelerate efforts for Lazio defender Mario Gila | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain have stepped up their efforts to sign Lazio centre-back Mario Gila this summer (h/t Gazzetta dello Sport).

A centre-back appears to be a priority for the Ligue 1 giants, who have tabled a €35 million bid for Gila.

The Spaniard has caught PSG’s attention with his dominant performances for Lazio. He was one of the top defenders in Serie A last season.

PSG want to stay ahead in their pursuit of Gila, who also has suitors in Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Bayern Munich.

Lazio are prepared to sell their star defender, having identified Hellas Verona’s Diego Coppola as a potential replacement.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito feels PSG’s offer is inadequate since half of the fee will go to his former club Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old is an excellent progressive defender, known for his elite ball-carrying and passing abilities. Defensively, he has great game awareness and reads the situations sharply.

PSG are also exploring a move to sign Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi this summer.

The Ukrainian centre-back formed a stellar partnership with Dean Huijsen at the heart of Bournemouth’s defence last season, helping them punch above their weight.

Les Parisiens have been shrewd with their recruitment of defenders in recent seasons, highlighted by the success of Willian Pacho.

The Ecuadorian went from an unknown commodity to a world-class defender at PSG, playing a pivotal role in their Ligue 1 and Champions League triumphs this season.

PSG will face Atletico Madrid in a blockbuster opening clash in the Club World Cup this month.