Chelsea are reportedly ready to make an offer to the Serie A defender’s table as the summer transfer window is set to open.
According to Dazn Transfer Reporter Orazio Accomando (via X), Bruce is ready to file a bid of 35 million euros (just under £30 million) for Lazio Centre Back Mario Gila, who is also a target for Manchester City, Bournemouth and AC Milan.
According to Italy in football, the 24-year-old has attracted a lot of attention after the impressive campaign of Bianco Celesti, who signed him from Real Madrid three years ago for just 6 million euros (£5 million).
The Spaniard remains on his contract at Studio Olimpico for two years, but this summer, his removal from the club will likely be considered after Marco Baroni missed European qualifications after shocking Rexe on the final day of the Serie A season.
What qualities can Gira bring to Chelsea?
Gira has made 43 appearances for Lazio and scored twice in the term, with Fbref citing him as stylistically similar to Levi Colwill.
The 24-year-old seems to be the perfect fit for Enzo Maresca’s owned base Chelsea style.
According to FBREF, the Spaniard is one of the top 14% of the five main league centrebacks on the continent this season, with pass completed (91.4%) and also features a 90th percentile of progressive carry on the 85th percentile (1.4) of progressive passes per 90 minutes.
Gira and Colwill also matched well in some performance metrics for 2024/25, with Lazio defenders bordering for key passes (15-14), pass completions (91.4%-89.3%), and pass completions such as Per fbref (91.4%-89.3%), and tackle and interception (83-80).
Will Chelsea be ahead of the Gila transfer race?
Chelsea could face frequent competition with their 24-year-old Premier League rivals, with Tottenham Hotspur among the clubs that have Man City and Tottenham Hotspur also on him.
But if the Blues are ready to make an offer to the table for the defender (and can offer him Champions League football), it could give them an early stage of what is set to be a compelling transfer race.
Marc Guech’s return of Stamford Bridge is also featured on the SW6 tier agenda, but if Crystal Palace Colossus turns out to be unattainable, Lazio’s centre-back may be worthy of serious pursuits.
