Aston Villa agree €24m deal with Atletico Madrid for Matteo Ruggeri | OneFootball

Aston Villa have reached an agreement in principle with Atletico Madrid to sign Italian defender Matteo Ruggeri in a deal worth up to €24 million.

According to MARCA, Villa have structured a transfer around an initial fixed fee of €18m, complemented by a further €6m in performance-related add-ons.

With full-back Lucas Digne closing in on a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Unai Emery identified the left side of his defence as a top priority for immediate reinforcement.

While Villa held initial discussions over AC Milan’s Pervis Estupinan, talks cooled, prompting the Europa League champions to shift their focus to Ruggeri.

The 24-year-old Italy international joined Atletico from Atalanta only last summer for €17m. During his debut season in Spain, Ruggeri made 47 appearances and provided seven assists under Diego Simeone.

However, following Atletico’s recent signing of Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen, Ruggeri found himself facing reduced first-team opportunities.

Looking to turn a quick profit on their original investment and streamline their squad, Los Colchoneros were willing sellers when Villa formalised their approach.

For Aston Villa, Ruggeri offers a profile that complements Ian Maatsen’s attacking flair. Standing 1.87 metres tall, the former Atalanta youth product provides physical presence, defensive solidity, and aerial strength.

Having previously won the UEFA Europa League during his time in Bergamo, Ruggeri brings valuable European experience to a Villa squad preparing for a demanding continental campaign.

The final hurdle in the deal is securing approval on personal terms from the player. While Serie A clubs Juventus and Roma have both monitored his situation, Ruggeri is leaning toward accepting Villa’s proposal to test himself in the Premier League under Emery’s guidance.

Should the deal receive final player clearance, Ruggeri will become Villa’s latest summer signing, joining Modou Keba Cisse, Johan Manzambi, Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Gomes as new arrivals.