Real Madrid keeping close tabs on 24-year-old Serie A star ahead of potential transfer move: Reports

Real Madrid are keeping track of Mario Gila for a potential move in the next summer transfer window, according to Spanish media outlet Fichajes.net. The 24-year-old centre-back is currently playing for Serie A club Lazio, with his contract running until the summer of 2027.

Gila has turned heads with his impressive performances for Lazio and becoming a key player in Marco Baroni's squad. The Spaniard's impact on the team has been evident in their last Serie A clash. He had to leave the pitch early after picking up an injury against Inter Milan, and the match ended in a 0-6 loss for his side on December 16.

Mario Gila has contributed to six clean sheets and registered a goal in 18 appearances across competitions for Lazio this season. After missing three Serie A matches early in the campaign due to a hamstring injury, the defender has started in all 13 league games since his recovery.

Along with reported interest from other clubs, Gila's development is also marked by the increase in market value. His estimate has gone up from 18 million to 28 million euros, making him the most valuable Spaniard in Italian football, as per Transfermarkt.

Real Madrid's reported interest in one of their academy graduates comes amid the problems in their defense line this season. Carlo Ancelotti currently has four injuries in his squad, and all of them are defenders, including David Alaba, Daniel Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Ferland Mendy. With the current lack of centre-backs, Mario Gila can make a great addition to the squad at Santiago Bernabéu.

After graduating from Real Madrid academy in 2019, Mario Gila started his senior career with their reserve team. He joined Lazio reportedly for €6m in July 2022. Overall, in his ongoing tenure at the Serie A club, he has helped maintain 21 clean sheets in 59 appearances across competitions.

---

Barcelona reportedly set to race arch-rivals Real Madrid to sign Dario Essugo

Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to race to acquire Dario Essugo's signature, according to Fichajes.net. The 19-year-old midfielder is currently on a season-long loan at Las Palmas from Sporting.

Dario Essugo has attracted attention with his impressive performances and growth in the defensive midfield role. He has registered one goal while starting in 11 matches in LaLiga this season.

Barcelona are reportedly looking to strengthen their midfield and the young Portuguese prodigy can be an ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets, who parted ways with the Catalan club in 2023.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are also seeking midfield reinforcements with reported uncertainties about Aurelien Tchouameni's future at Santiago Bernabéu. The Spanish giants are also yet to find a replacement for Toni Kroos, who retired this summer.

While Essugo will have big shoes to fill at both clubs in case of a potential transfer, it remains to be seen which side of the Spanish rivalry he becomes a part of in the near future. His current contract at Sporting is valid until the summer of 2025.