Real Madrid set to consider signing 23-year-old Lazio star: Reports

Real Madrid are set to study the option of signing Lazio defender Mario Gila in the summer transfer window, according to a report from Relevo.

Gila, 23, cemented himself as a regular starter for Lazio in the 2023-24 campaign. He has started 36 of his 41 appearances across competitions for the Serie A outfit, helping them finish seventh last season.

However, Gila's former team could decide to cut short his stay at his current outfit this summer. Real Madrid reportedly have an option to bring the centre-back for a sum in the region of €8 million this summer. But, as of now, their idea is not to sign a new centre-back.

Before joining Lazio for €6 million in 2022, Gila spent four years at Los Merengues. He made two senior appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side in the 2021-22 season, featuring in just 23 minutes of action.

Liverpool star urged to join Real Madrid

Speaking to betting website BoyleSports, ex-Manchester United star Dwight Yorke claimed that Trent Alexander-Arnold could join Los Blancos due to two reasons. He said (h/t Mirror):

"He is a Liverpool boy of course, but let's not forget that his best mate Jude Bellingham is playing in Spain now, which could be a significant factor. I'm sure he would be great there because of the type of football, which is Real Madrid dominating games most of the time... which will get him [more] on the ball."

"We know his quality with the football but he gets a lot of stick in England from ex-players about his defensive ability, while not getting enough credit for his ability."

Sharing further thoughts on the potential transfer, Yorke concluded:

"I won't be surprised if Real Madrid make an official bid for him. He's only played for his boyhood club and won the Premier League, the Champions League and everything else, but the stick he gets and having a friend in Madrid could tempt him to the biggest club in world football right now. For me, it’s a no-brainer."

"If I were to advise him, those are the things I would look at because here he just gets knocked down. He should seriously consider leaving and going to Real Madrid."

Should Alexander-Arnold opt to join the La Liga outfit, he would likely displace the ageing Daniel Carvajal as their first-choice right-back.

Alexander-Arnold, who was named as Liverpool's vice-captain in 2023, has netted 19 goals and laid out 81 assists in 310 games for Liverpool.