Aston Villa agree €26.5m deal to sign Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid

Aston Villa are set to sign Atletico Madrid left-back Matteo Ruggeri for a fee of €26.5 million, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano. The deal includes an additional €1.5 million in bonuses. The Villains aim to bolster their defense following the departure of Lucas Digne this summer. Ruggeri, who made 26 appearances in La Liga last season, contributed to five big chances, won 59% of aerial duels and 38% of ground duels, while helping the team keep five clean sheets.

The Aston Villa goal is to secure a competitive season, starting with a UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain, and could not afford to rely on Ian Maatsen as their sole left-back. Ruggeri has been praised for his stamina and has been Villa's fifth signing this summer, joining Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Modou Keba Cisse.

The club will likely look to sign Joao Palhinha for the midfield after Ruggeri's move. Other targets for Aston Villa include defender Kosta Nedeljkovic from Belgium and captain Ezri Konsa, who remains a key player for the team.