Ruggeri is among the options Villa are considering to replace Lucas Digne. Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesAug. 4, 2026 7:19 am EDT Updated Atletico Madrid defender Matteo Ruggeri is among the options being considered by Aston Villa as they look to find a replacement at left-back for Lucas Digne.Digne will complete his £8million move to Paris Saint-Germain after the Champions League holders activated the release clause in the France international’s contract. The Frenchman, 33, underwent a medical two weeks ago and is expected to finalise terms once he has returned from holiday.Villa have been in the market for a left-back successor who will compete with Ian Maatsen. The Athletic reported at the start of June that Villa were targeting a more physical profile of left-back, with Ruggeri, the 24-year-old who stands at 6ft 2ins (188cm), matching the criteria.Villa have held talks over Ruggeri’s signing as they consider their options from a small pool. Ruggeri made 47 appearances for Atletico last season, recording seven assists. The Italian joined from Atalanta last summer, signing a five-year deal.Netherlands international Maatsen has struggled for game-time since joining in July 2024, but Villa have outlined their intentions to keep the 24-year-old this summer and view him as a long-term successor to Digne.Villa had been pursuing AC Milan defender Pervis Estupinan, formerly at Brighton & Hove Albion and who worked with Unai Emery at Villarreal. Progress had been made, with personal terms not an issue. The sticking point currently centred on the fee with Milan, who had just hired Ruben Amorim as their new head coach.Aug 4, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms