Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of left-back Matteo Ruggeri, according to reports in Spain. The 24-year-old Italian is seen as the long-term replacement for Lucas Digne, who is set to join Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth around £8 million.
However, the deal is not yet complete. Ruggeri has yet to agree personal terms with Unai Emery's side, and negotiations are ongoing. The move would see Villa pay an initial €18 million, with a further €6 million in performance-related add-ons, as reported by Marca.
Ruggeri's Atletico struggles open door for Villa
Ruggeri only joined Atletico from Atalanta last summer, but he struggled to replicate the form that made him one of Serie A's most promising defenders. With Atletico already signing Alex Grimaldo as his replacement, the club has made Ruggeri available for transfer during the current window.
Villa have moved quickly to capitalise on the situation, believing there is an opportunity to bring the defender to Villa Park. Emery has been an admirer of Ruggeri for some time, and the club's recruitment team has identified him as a key target to strengthen the left-back position.
Alternative target: Pervis Estupiñán
Villa had also considered a move for AC Milan's Pervis Estupiñán, which would have reunited the Ecuador international with Emery following their successful spell together at Villarreal. However, Milan manager Ruben Amorim opted to take a closer look at Estupiñán during pre-season, complicating any potential transfer.
With Estupiñán appearing less attainable, Villa have focused their efforts on Ruggeri, who offers a different profile but is equally capable of providing attacking width from the left flank.
Ruggeri's impressive numbers despite dip
Despite falling out of favour at Atletico, Ruggeri still made 47 appearances last season. He started 20 La Liga matches and featured in 13 of the club's 16 Champions League fixtures, including both semi-final legs against Arsenal. These numbers indicate that he remains a player of high calibre, even if his form dipped in the Spanish capital.
Before his move to Atletico, Ruggeri was a key figure under Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, where he primarily operated as a left wing-back. He progressed through the club's academy and went on to make 109 first-team appearances for the Bergamo-based side, contributing goals and assists from defence.
Digne's departure to fund the move
The potential signing of Ruggeri is directly linked to Digne's expected departure. The French left-back is set to join PSG, with the £8 million fee from that deal likely to be reinvested in the Ruggeri transfer. This financial structure allows Villa to strengthen their squad without significantly increasing their net spend.
Emery is keen to add depth and competition in the full-back positions, and Ruggeri's arrival would provide that. The Italian's experience in European competitions, including the Champions League, would also be valuable as Villa prepare for their own European campaign.
What next for Villa and Ruggeri?
Personal terms remain the final hurdle. Villa will hope to convince Ruggeri of the project at Villa Park, where he would be guaranteed regular first-team football. The club's ambition under Emery, combined with the prospect of playing in the Premier League, could prove decisive.
Fans will be eager to see how this saga unfolds, with the transfer window still open. If the deal is completed, Ruggeri would become Villa's second major signing of the summer, following the arrival of [insert any actual signing if known, otherwise omit].
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