Villa close to signing Atletico left-back Ruggeri

Aston Villa is closing in on the signing of Matteo Ruggeri, the left-back departing Atletico Madrid, according to BBC Sport. The 24-year-old Italian is expected to move to Villa Park after just one season with the Spanish club, where he made 47 appearances.

Ruggeri will replace Lucas Digne, who completed his £8.5m return to Paris Saint-Germain this week. Manager Unai Emery is targeting greater physicality in the left-back role, and the deal is progressing smoothly.

The defender brings impressive credentials: Europa League champion with Atalanta in 2024 and named in the competition's team of the season. He has progressed through Italy's youth system and earned his first senior call-up in March 2025, though he is yet to make his debut for the national side.