Chelsea have turned their attention to a new defensive target after resigning themselves to missing out on Dean Huijsen, with the Bournemouth youngster set to join Real Madrid in the coming days.
Huijsen has been one of the most in-demand stars of the summer already before the opening of the transfer window due to the 19-year-old having a release clause of £50 million (€59m.)
With Huijsen’s future all but resolved, TEAMtalk report that Chelsea have now ‘set their sights’ on Mario Gila, who could leave Lazio this summer for a fee in excess of €30m.
Chelsea are said to see the 24-year-old as a ‘cost-effective solution’ to their search for a centre-back, although they will likely face competition from Inter, who have pursued Gila for more than a year.
Any deal for Gila could also be complicated by Real Madrid’s retention of a sell-on clause, having sold the Spaniard to Lazio for €6m in 2022.
Chelsea turn to Serie A star as Real Madrid seal rapid Huijsen transfer
Chelsea had initially believed they were frontrunners to sign Huijsen due to Real’s hesitancy in moving for the Bournemouth wonderkid despite his public desire to move to Madrid.
However, with Xabi Alonso set to be named Real’s new manager, the La Liga giants are said to have accelerated talks with Huijsen and allegedly wrapped up negotiations with the player in just six hours.
Chelsea are keen to bring in a defender this summer after repeated injury issues with Wesley Fofana, while Trevoh Chalobah is also expected to again be available for transfer this summer despite impressing since being recalled from a loan spell with Crystal Palace in January.
Gila’s emergence as a standout performer in Serie A since joining Lazio has attracted Chelsea’s attention and, with his contract set to expire in 2027, the Italian side may look to reluctantly cash in on their star defender this summer.
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