Chelsea Set to Battle Inter Milan in the Race to Sign £30m Serie A Defender – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea Eyeing Mario Gila: A Strategic Pivot After Huijsen Miss

Chelsea’s quest to reinforce their backline continues to evolve as the club now turn their attention to Lazio’s Mario Gila, following the setback in their pursuit of Dean Huijsen. According to TEAMtalk, the Blues are “continuing to track Mario Gila” after missing out on the Bournemouth loanee, who opted instead for a move to Real Madrid.

Having identified Huijsen as a key target, Chelsea made a strong attempt to lure him to Stamford Bridge. TEAMtalk confirmed that “Chelsea had offered the Bournemouth revelation a long-term deal but he rejected both them and Liverpool to secure a dream move to Madrid.” With that door now firmly closed, attention has shifted swiftly and decisively toward alternatives.

Gila, who joined Lazio in 2022, has been steadily building a reputation in Serie A, showcasing attributes that mirror Chelsea’s tactical evolution under Enzo Maresca. The Spaniard’s ability to play out from the back and his positional intelligence have drawn admirers across Europe, including Champions League finalists Inter Milan.

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Gila’s Profile Aligns with Chelsea’s Philosophy

The modern centre-back must do more than defend, and Gila appears to be the archetype of the new-era defender. As TEAMtalk reports, “Gila has earned plaudits for his ball-playing abilities and composure,” traits essential for a team now committed to a possession-heavy approach under Maresca.

Standing at 1.85m, Gila offers an ideal mix of physical presence and tactical awareness. His comfort in a back-three system or as a right-sided centre-half in a four-man defence adds significant value for a manager known for tactical flexibility. Chelsea’s interest is as much philosophical as it is practical.

There is also the crucial matter of Gila’s market value. As reported, “Gila’s market value, which has reached £30million (€36m / $40.5m), could rise further if a bidding war ensues.” With Inter Milan lurking and Lazio understandably hesitant to sell a player contracted until 2027, Chelsea may need to act swiftly or risk another setback.

Time Pressure and Transfer Jockeying

Chelsea are not just building for the Premier League but also preparing for a demanding 2025–26 campaign that includes the Club World Cup. As TEAMtalk highlights, “Chelsea are eager to finalise the majority of their transfers before the Club World Cup kicks off on June 15.” Ensuring a settled squad before a transatlantic trip adds urgency to their plans.

Yet, despite their eagerness, it seems Chelsea might need patience. “Sources indicate that a deal for Gila might be delayed until the latter stages of the window,” likely due to intensified competition and Lazio’s reluctance to lose a key asset.

Playing Time Could Be the Decisive Factor

One factor that may tip the balance in Chelsea’s favour is their ability to offer Gila something Inter may not: guaranteed minutes. According to the report, “The Madrid youth product is looking for guaranteed minutes at his next club and does not want to simply be a squad player.”

This requirement could suit Chelsea, who are actively seeking a defender capable of making an immediate impact. With Thiago Silva departing and question marks around Wesley Fofana’s fitness, Gila may find a clearer path to first-team football in London than in Milan.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Chelsea fan, it’s hard not to feel quietly optimistic reading about Mario Gila’s potential arrival. Enzo Maresca’s appointment and his immediate success in winning the UEFA Europa Conference League have revitalised the fanbase, and now, seeing the club being proactive in the market shows intent.

Gila fits the new Chelsea blueprint perfectly. He’s not a flashy name, but neither was Thiago Silva when we first brought him in on a free – and look at the leadership and quality he gave us. What stands out is Gila’s intelligence on the ball and his versatility. Whether Maresca lines us up in a 3-4-3 or a traditional four-man defence, Gila can slot in seamlessly. That adaptability is crucial when competing on multiple fronts.

It’s also refreshing to hear we’re chasing players who want guaranteed minutes. That hunger is what built our most successful squads. Gila wants to play, not just sit on the bench collecting wages, and that’s the mindset we need going forward.

We might have missed out on Huijsen, but if landing Gila means a player better suited to Maresca’s tactical demands, then this could be a blessing in disguise. Get this one done, Chelsea.