Chelsea are intensifying their pursuit of finding a suitable centre-back following Real Madrid’s acquisition of long-time Blues’ target Dean Huijsen. Several players, including Jorrel Hato and Marc Guehi, are reportedly on the club's shortlist. However, to sign any of them, they will have to fend off competition from other top sides, and it seems like they aren’t taking any chances this time.
Chelsea's need to sign a reliable centre-back can’t wait much longer, particularly after securing a spot in the Champions League with a 4th place finish in the Premier League. As a result, they are on the lookout for a solid defender, and it appears they might have found one.
According to Orazio Accomando, Chelsea are thinking of Mario Gila to reinforce the defence. The Blues are ready to offer €35 million to Lazio for the Spanish defender.
Gila is a graduate of the Real Madrid youth academy and moved to Lazio in 2022. He has certainly turned some heads with his performances in Italy. The 24-year-old has been a regular for the Serie A side this season, appearing in 43 games across all competitions.
Chelsea ready to make €35 million offer to sign Lazio's Mario Gila
AC Milan as well as Premier League clubs like Manchester City and Bournemouth are also reportedly pursuing the signature of Gila. However, nothing is finalised as of yet and Chelsea can still manage to bring the player to Stamford Bridge if they play their cards right.
Of course, he is not the only centre-back Chelsea have on their radar. Guehi would arguably be the safest signing as he is Premier League proven and is a regular England international.
Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton has been suggested as a potential Chelsea transfer target as well. So, overall, it looks like the Blues are keeping their options open.