Aston Villa Near €20m Deal for Matteo Ruggeri

Aston Villa are nearing the completion of a deal to sign Italian defender Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid for a fee reported to be between 15 million and 24 million, as manager Unai Emery continues a significant squad overhaul this summer. The 24-year-old left-back did not travel with Atletico for their pre-season tour of South Korea as he advanced in personal negotiations with the Premier League club.

The move for Ruggeri comes as Villa prepare for the imminent departure of experienced left-back Lucas Digne, who is set to join Paris Saint-Germain after the French champions activated a release clause in his contract. Villa had been seeking a more physical defensive profile for the position, and the six-foot-two-inch Ruggeri, who made 47 appearances for Atletico last season, fits that requirement. The club views him as a ready-made addition who can provide balance, especially with new loan signing Alejandro Garnacho likely to operate as an attacking winger on the left flank.

This transfer is part of a broader period of change at Villa Park, driven by both ambition and financial regulations. The club has already sanctioned two major sales, with midfielder Morgan Rogers joining...