Aston Villa are reportedly attempting to sign Atletico Madrid left-back Matteo Ruggeri. The 24-year-old is available for transfer this summer after struggling to establish himself under Diego Simeone following his move from Atalanta.
Ruggeri's Atletico struggles and potential exit
Ruggeri joined Atletico in a deal worth €20 million in July last year, but has since lost his place in the side following the arrival of Alex Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen. According to Marca, a deal could progress quickly, with Atletico needing to raise funds to continue strengthening their squad during the final weeks of the transfer window.
Despite falling out of favour, Ruggeri still made 47 appearances for Atletico last season, starting 20 La Liga matches and 13 of the club's 16 Champions League games, including both semi-final legs against Arsenal. His experience in high-stakes matches could prove valuable for Villa, who are set to compete in the Champions League this season.
Villa's search for a left-back
Villa have been in the market for a new left-back over the past month after Paris Saint-Germain indicated their intention to trigger Lucas Digne's release clause, which is believed to be worth less than £10 million. The French defender's departure would leave a significant gap in Villa's backline, prompting the club to explore several options.
AC Milan's Pervis Estupiñán was also a target, a move that would have reunited the Ecuador international with Unai Emery following their time together at Villarreal. However, Ruben Amorim opted to take a closer look at Estupiñán during pre-season, complicating any potential deal.
Ruggeri's background and fit at Villa
Before his move to the Spanish capital, Ruggeri operated primarily as a left wing-back under Gian Piero Gasperini. He made 109 first-team appearances for Atalanta after progressing through the club's academy. His attacking instincts and defensive reliability could make him an ideal fit for Emery's system, which often utilises full-backs in advanced roles.
Ruggeri's versatility is another asset, as he can play as a traditional left-back or as a wing-back, offering tactical flexibility. With Villa's ambitions of challenging for European honours, adding a player of Ruggeri's calibre would bolster their squad depth significantly.
Potential impact and next steps
If the transfer materialises, Ruggeri would compete with the likes of Ian Maatsen for the left-back spot, providing healthy competition and raising the overall quality of the squad. The deal could also accelerate Villa's preparations for the new season, ensuring they have a settled defence before the transfer window closes.
Atletico's need to raise funds makes a sale plausible, and Villa's financial muscle could facilitate a swift negotiation. Fans will be eager to see if the club can finalise the move, which would mark a significant statement of intent from the Midlands club.
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