Aston Villa are closing in on a full agreement to sign Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid
The clubs had broadly agreed a deal for the 24-year-old earlier in the week in the region of €20million (£17.1m; $23.1m), and Ruggeri is advancing in personal terms with the Premier League outfit. While the transfer is not yet finalised, Ruggeri did not travel to South Korea for Atletico’s pre-season as he continued negotiations with Villa
The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Ruggeri was among the options being considered by Villa as they sought a replacement for Lucas Digne. The France international will complete his £8million move to Paris Saint-Germain after the Champions League holders activated the release clause in his contract. Digne, 33, underwent a medical two weeks ago and is expected to finalise terms once he has returned from holiday
Ruggeri made 47 appearances for Atletico last season, recording seven assists. He joined from Atalanta last summer, signing a five-year deal
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Netherlands international Ian Maatsen has struggled for minutes since joining in July 2024, but Villa have outlined their intentions to keep the 24-year-old this summer and view him as a long-term successor to Digne
Villa had been pursuing AC Milan defender Pervis Estupinan, formerly at Brighton & Hove Albion and who worked with Unai Emery at Villarreal. Progress had been made, with personal terms not an issue. The sticking point centred on the fee with Milan, who had just hired Ruben Amorim as their new head coach
Ruggeri fits the bill, as Villa eye a physical left-back
Villa were seeking a replacement following the imminent departure of Digne to PSG. As previously reported, Villa were wanting a more physical profile of left-back who could provide difference to Ian Maatsen
Ruggeri, at six feet and two inches, fulfills that criteria while has shown versatility previously to play in central defence. At 24, the Italian is ready-made to come straight into the team, with his physicality understandably sufficient to cope with the rigours of the Premier League
Unai Emery usually wants his left backs high and wide, but with Alejandro Garnacho joining and likely to provide width on that side, having a more defensively minded full-back could help offer balance
