CM: Milan and Lazio could meet to discuss defender-midfielder swap – the situation

Igli Tare and Claudio Lotito are destined to sit around the same table again soon, according to a report, with two players the subject of discussion.

According to Calciomercato.com, there could soon be talks about the potentially intertwined fates of Mario Gila and Ruben Loftus Cheek. Lazio want a midfield and Milan want a centre-back, so there could be a beneficial exchange of sorts.

A chance to tick two boxes

Massimiliano Allegri has long been asking Milan for an additional central defender to extend their rotation. Matteo Gabbia’s injury means the inexperienced David Odogu has become the only option on the bench, which is not an ideal situation.

The Rossoneri have long been eyeing Mario Gila, and the Spaniard – whose contract with Lazio expires in 18 months – has been on the market for some time now, looking for a new club. Tare knows him well and is negotiating with his agent, but convincing Lotito will be the key.

Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Marco Rosi/Fotonotizia

Maurizio Sarri’s dream is to once again coach Ruben Loftus-Cheek, a favourite since his Chelsea days. Under Sarri, the Englishman knows would regain consistency and play in his preferred role (rather than up front like at Milan sometimes) which could boost his World Cup hopes.

Loftus-Cheek earns €5m gross per year at Milan, and a loan deal until the end of the season would require around €2.5m gross. Gila earns just €500,000 per season and is seeking a higher salary, so there is work to do on that front.

The peculiarity of these two players is that both are out of contract in 2027, and there’s no prospect of a renewal for either of them. A swap deal, with different valuations but one that benefits both clubs, is therefore possible. For it to happen, Tare and Lotito will need to discuss.