Aston Villa are set to confirm the signings of left-back Matteo Ruggeri and goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, but the club's transfer activity is far from over. Ruggeri, who joins from Atletico Madrid for around £20 million, will replace Lucas Digne, who left for Paris Saint-Germain after his release clause was triggered. Suzuki, meanwhile, is due to complete a £30 million move from Parma, with Emi Martinez no longer joining Juventus.
Ruggeri and Suzuki arrivals
Ruggeri's move brings him back to the Premier League after just one season under Diego Simeone at Atletico. The 24-year-old Italian left-back is expected to provide competition at left-back, filling the void left by Digne. Suzuki, a 23-year-old Japan international, will bolster the goalkeeping department, though his arrival does not necessarily signal an immediate departure for Martinez.
Martinez, however, remains likely to be the next big-name exit from Villa Park this summer. He would follow Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Digne in leaving the club after their Europa League triumph last season. Villa have already brought in Joao Gomes as a replacement for Tielemans, Johan Manzambi for Rogers, and Alejandro Garnacho on loan with a conditional obligation to buy.
Attack still a priority
Despite these additions, Villa still feel light on quality in attack, even with Alysson showing positive signs in pre-season. The club were monitoring Endrick earlier this summer, but Real Madrid have confirmed they will keep the Brazilian until January and review his situation then. As a result, a new right winger with proven quality in a top European league is now a must for Villa, adding depth to their current options: Garnacho, John McGinn, Emi Buendia, Alysson, and Manzambi.
Right-back and midfield cover
At right-back, Kosta Nedeljkovic has attracted loan interest, following Andres Garcia's loan move to Getafe in July. Villa will need more support for Matty Cash, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka known to be a target for the final two weeks of the summer window. In midfield, Villa need cover for the injured Amadou Onana, who will miss most, if not all, of next season due to an ACL injury suffered during the World Cup. Joao Palhinha is a prime target, with Bayern Munich open to loaning him out for a fee.
Tammy Abraham may still leave before the window shuts, but Villa could trust Brian Madjo to provide cover for Ollie Watkins next season rather than spend on another striker. That would allow them to allocate funds to strengthen other areas of the squad that still need attention.
