Villa close in on Atletico defender Ruggeri

Aston Villa are reportedly nearing a deal to sign Atletico Madrid left-back Matteo Ruggeri, 24. The transfer appears imminent, with the young defender expected to join Villa Park after just one season at the Spanish club. Ruggeri's arrival would address Villa's need for an additional physical presence in defense, coming after Lucas Digne's £8.5 million move to Paris St-Germain.

Unai Emery, Villa's former boss, is aiming to claim his first Super Cup after previous losses in three finals. Villa had been scouting alternative options, including AC Milan's Pervis Estupinan, Emery's former teammate at Villarreal. Ian Maatsen is set to start in goal against Paris St-Germain at the Red Bull Arena in Austria. During the 2023-24 season, Ruggeri appeared in 47 matches for Atletico, having joined from Atalanta in the previous summer on a five-year contract.

The Italian defender helped Atalanta secure the Europa League title that same year and was selected for the competition's team of the season. Ruggeri has represented Italy at the youth level but has yet to make his debut for the senior national team.