Chelsea’s biggest area of weakness this season has been their defence. Unfortunately, that will not have come as a surprise to those keeping an eye on the situation. Levi Colwill suffered an ACL injury in pre-season training. In the aftermath, Enzo Maresca came out in the media and openly asked for a replacement to be signed.
That was not done. Instead, there were briefings in the media that the club thought that their centre-back options were good enough, even without Colwill. Well, they have been proven wrong over the course of this season and badly.
Finally, in the winter, it had looked like Chelsea were ready to rectify their error and sign a centre-back. But once again, they failed to do so, despite even agreeing terms with Jeremy Jacquet, before he decided to sign for Liverpool. All the Blues could manage was cut short Mamadou Sarr’s loan spell with Strasbourg and bring him back. But even he has disappointed so far.
Chelsea must sign a quality centre-back in the summer. Interestingly, they are being linked with a former Real Madrid player. And a move for him would suggest a change in BlueCo’s transfer model, which would be welcome news to most.
Chelsea linked with move for Mario Gila of Lazio
According to Defensa Central, Chelsea have been monitoring Mario Gila for a long time. Aston Villa also want to sign the Lazio defender.
It is believed that it would take a transfer fee in the region of €30 million to sign Gila. That would not be a huge figure for Premier League clubs. It is also worth mentioning though that there is interest in Italy for the former Real Madrid centre-back as well.
Gila was not able to make it at Real Madrid but has been great for Lazio
Gila came through the ranks at Real Madrid. But he was only able to make two senior appearances for Los Blancos.
That has not been a rare story in recent times though. Most of their youth prospects have not made it at Real Madrid.
Gila has found a place for him in the Serie A though, establishing himself as one of the league’s best centre-backs. Chelsea’s interest in him is nothing new.
