The 24-year-old Italian left-back is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days. Angel Martinez/Getty ImagesAug. 12, 2026 6:02 am EDT Updated Aston Villa have reached an agreement to sign Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid.The clubs have struck a fee in the region of €20million (£17.1m; $23.1m) and the 24-year-old is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days.Ruggeri was not part of Atletico’s travelling squad to the club’s pre-season in South Korea, and the Italian left-back is now expected to replace Lucas Digne, who has joined Paris Saint-Germain, in Villa’s squad.Ruggeri made 47 appearances for Atletico last season, recording seven assists. He joined from Atalanta last summer, signing a five-year deal.
Netherlands international Ian Maatsen has struggled for minutes 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.Milan defender Pervis Estupinan, formerly of Brighton & Hove Albion and who played under Unai Emery at Villarreal, had also been targeted by Villa this summer but a fee could not be agreed with the Italian club.Villa have signed midfielders Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes from Freiburg and Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, while Alejandro Garnacho has arrived on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Digne are among the high-profile exits from Emery’s squad.Aug 12, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
