Aston Villa face Mario Gila battle as AC Milan agree terms

Aston Villa’s pursuit of Lazio defender Mario Gila has become more complicated, with AC Milan accelerating their interest and moving closer to a potential summer agreement.

The Spanish centre-back has been increasingly linked with a move away from S.S. Lazio in recent weeks, and the latest developments suggest Villa may now be in danger of losing ground.

Italian journalist Daniele Longo reports that AC Milan have stepped up contact for Mario Gila and already have a draft agreement over personal terms in place.

That is a significant step forward — and one that puts pressure on Aston Villa F.C. to act quickly if their interest remains concrete.

Milan’s interest appears to be entering a serious phase.

The Rossoneri are now reportedly waiting for approval from owners RedBird Capital Partners before deciding whether to formalise talks with Lazio.

Personal terms being broadly aligned removes one of the bigger obstacles in any transfer negotiation.

The next challenge is agreeing a fee.

Lazio are understood to value Gila at €25million, a figure Milan are reluctant to exceed. That could open a small window for Villa if they decide to test Lazio’s resolve.

However, timing will be critical.

Villa’s interest in Gila has been building for several weeks.

With Unai Emery expected to strengthen defensively this summer, Gila fits the profile of a modern ball-playing centre-back capable of fitting into Villa’s aggressive defensive structure.

At 25, he offers both immediate quality and long-term value.

Having watched Villa’s defensive evolution under Emery this season, it is clear the manager values defenders who are comfortable progressing the ball and operating in high defensive lines.

Gila’s profile matches that requirement.

That gives Villa a strong footballing case — but the financial side could be decisive.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has a long-standing reputation as one of Italy’s toughest negotiators.

That history matters.

Deals involving Lazio often become drawn-out, particularly when multiple clubs are interested.

While Milan may be unwilling to move above €25million, Villa could have greater spending flexibility if Emery identifies Gila as a priority.

That could become the difference.

However, Lazio’s own financial position may force them into a sale this summer, especially with Gila entering the final stretch of his contract cycle with no renewal in sight.

That creates opportunity — but only for the club willing to move fastest.

Milan are expected to decide soon whether to open formal negotiations with Lazio after internal approval from ownership.

That could trigger a quick response from Aston Villa if they still see Gila as a priority defensive target.

Villa’s summer planning is expected to intensify once their season concludes, and defensive reinforcements remain high on Emery’s list.

For now, Milan have the edge — but the transfer is far from complete.

Can Aston Villa beat Milan to Mario Gila, or has the Italian side already moved too far ahead?