Aston Villa Agree €21m Deal For 24-Year-Old As Final Talks Begin: The Right Profile For Emery? | OneFootball

Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Matteo Ruggeri after reaching an agreement with Atlético Madrid, according to Italian journalist Luca Cerchione on X. The proposed transfer is worth €18 million, with a further €3 million linked to bonuses, while negotiations over the defender’s personal terms are now under way. Cerchione adds that the move is close to completion.

Aston Villa reach agreement with Atlético Madrid

Atlético’s decision follows a busy summer in Madrid. Alejandro Grimaldo has arrived to strengthen the left side of Diego Simeone’s squad, leaving Ruggeri available as the Spanish club looks to trim its wage bill and recover funds through player sales.

Despite that situation, Ruggeri remained an important figure throughout the 2025/26 campaign. He made 26 La Liga appearances, registered three assists and played 1,780 league minutes. Europe brought another impressive contribution. The Italy international supplied three assists in 15 Champions League matches and featured from the start in both semi-final clashes against Arsenal, showing Simeone trusted him on the biggest stage.

Villa have now completed the difficult part by agreeing a fee. Personal terms stand between the club and a deal that appears to be entering its final phase.

T4O take: Aston Villa have found the profile Emery wanted

SEVILLE, SPAIN – APRIL 18: Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid in action during the Copa del Rey Final match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Sociedad at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 18, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

This move feels driven by tactical need rather than opportunity. Lucas Digne’s departure left Unai Emery short of a dependable defensive option, while Ian Maatsen naturally offers a far more adventurous style from left-back.

Ruggeri brings something different. At 6ft 2in, he gives Villa height, physicality and calm positioning. Years under Gian Piero Gasperini and Simeone have shaped a defender who stays switched on without chasing unnecessary risks, especially once possession changes hands.

Aston Villa are adding balance instead of flair

Emery rarely asks both full-backs to attack together. One usually stays deeper, narrows alongside the centre-backs and protects space whenever Villa commit numbers forward. Ruggeri already performs that role comfortably, making the tactical adjustment far smaller than many new arrivals face.

His 88% passing accuracy in the Champions League last season adds another reason behind Villa’s interest. He keeps possession moving without forcing ambitious passes, an attribute Emery values during controlled build-up play. Considering Atlético had reportedly valued him at €25 million (£21.5 million) earlier this summer, agreeing a package worth €21 million looks like sensible business for a defender entering his prime years with Champions League pedigree and international experience.