French defender is close to Manchester United. The Merengues are considering a player trained at the club.

Mario Gila, a 23-year-old Spanish central defender who has been with Lazio for two years, is on Real Madrid's radar in case they cannot secure their preferred target, the Frenchman Leny Yoro. Yoro, 18 years old and belonging to Lille, is highly sought after by Manchester United and also PSG.
The pursuit of Yoro highlights Real Madrid’s commitment to bolstering their defense with young talent. However, the competition for Yoro’s signature is fierce, with Manchester United and PSG both keen on acquiring the young French defender. Yoro's impressive performances at Lille have made him one of the most coveted young defenders in Europe, and his potential move to one of these top clubs would mark a significant step in his career.
Real Madrid, aware of the challenges in securing Yoro, has turned their attention to Mario Gila as a viable alternative. Gila is a homegrown player, having been trained at the club’s esteemed youth academy, La Fábrica. His development at Real Madrid provided him with a solid foundation, and his subsequent move to Lazio for six million euros allowed him to gain valuable experience in Serie A, one of Europe’s top leagues. Real Madrid still holds 50% of his rights, making a potential return both feasible and strategically sound.
Gila’s familiarity with Real Madrid’s system and culture makes him an attractive option for the club. His integration into the team would likely be seamless, given his understanding of the club’s expectations and playing style. Furthermore, Gila’s time at Lazio has seen him mature into a reliable central defender, capable of handling the rigors of top-flight football.
With Nacho’s departure and Alaba’s injury, Real Madrid finds itself in need of reinforcing its defensive line. Currently, the squad only has Rudiger, Militão, and Vallejo available for the central defensive positions. This limited depth has prompted the club to seek additional reinforcements to ensure they remain competitive on all fronts.
Mario Gila’s potential return to Real Madrid would not only provide the necessary depth but also bring back a player who embodies the club’s values and ethos. His time away from the club has seen him grow both personally and professionally, making him a more well-rounded and experienced defender. Moreover, Gila’s return would be a strategic move, as the club looks to maintain a balance of homegrown talent and international stars.
The interest from other top European clubs such as Inter, Juventus, and Leverkusen further underscores Gila’s rising profile. These clubs recognize his potential and the qualities he brings to a defensive unit. Real Madrid’s consideration of Gila, despite the competition, signifies their belief in his abilities and the value he could add to their squad.
In summary, while Leny Yoro remains Real Madrid’s preferred target for strengthening their defense, the club is prepared to pivot to Mario Gila should they be unable to secure the Frenchman. Gila’s homegrown status, coupled with his experience at Lazio, makes him a viable and attractive alternative. His potential return would enhance Real Madrid’s defensive options and align with their strategy of integrating both homegrown and international talents. The club’s proactive approach in addressing their defensive needs demonstrates their commitment to maintaining their status as one of Europe’s elite football teams.