Napoli has intensified its pursuit of Lazio defender Mario Gila, according to reports. The Serie A club is eager to strengthen its backline for the upcoming season.
The interest comes after Napoli appointed Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach.
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Allegri previously tried to sign Gila for AC Milan, but those plans fell through after both he and sporting director Igli Tare were dismissed.
Gila, 26, has established himself as one of the top defensive talents in Italy. The Spanish center-back has attracted interest from several Serie A clubs and international teams.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Napoli is actively pushing for the transfer. However, Lazio currently refuses to sell the player, whose contract is nearing expiration.
Lazio faces financial constraints due to a sell-on clause. The club must share 50% of any transfer fee with Real Madrid, Gila's former club.
This makes a sale less attractive for Lazio.
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Club officials Claudio Lotito and Angelo Fabiani appear inclined to keep Gila. The defender currently earns a salary of €1 million per season.
Journalist Alfredo Pedulla offers a different view. He reports that Napoli has accelerated its attempts and that Lazio might actually consider a sale.
The Aquile initially set an asking price of €30 million but could accept €20 million to avoid losing Gila as a free agent when his contract ends in 2027.
Atletico Madrid has also shown interest, but Napoli is currently leading the race.
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Gila's Argentine agent, Alejandro Camano, has previously expressed a desire to see his client play at the Stadio Maradona.
