From Spain: Aston Villa reach agreement to sign La Liga defender

Aston Villa have moved closer to solving their left-back problem after agreeing a deal with Atlético Madrid for Matteo Ruggeri.

Unai Emery needs another natural option on that side because Lucas Digne is expected to depart, leaving the squad short of experience and width.

Ruggeri offers the physical profile Villa want, combining defensive strength with the ability to push forward as a wing-back.

Their transfer window has largely been shaped by important departures and targeted replacements, so adding a player ready to compete immediately would represent another practical step in the rebuild.

Club to club agreement reached for Ruggeri

According to Marca, Villa accelerated their interest after identifying Ruggeri as a strong option to replace Digne.

Atlético are prepared to approve the transfer after signing Alejandro Grimaldo, whose arrival reduced the Italian’s likely playing time under Diego Simeone.

The clubs have reportedly settled on a package worth around €18 million, plus approximately €6 million in potential bonuses.

Ruggeri recorded seven assists in 47 appearances during his only season in Madrid, showing that he can contribute consistently in advanced areas.

Villa need that attacking output from full-back, particularly when Emery asks his wide defenders to support possession and create overloads around the penalty area.

The player is still making Aston Villa wait

Despite the club agreement, AS reports that Ruggeri has not yet given his final approval.

He has been left out of Atlético’s trip to South Korea while considering Villa’s proposal and approaches from clubs in England and Italy.

The total package could eventually reach around €25 million if all variables are achieved.

That outside interest could delay the transfer or encourage Ruggeri to seek improved personal terms.

Villa must therefore convince him that regular Premier League football and Emery’s project offer a clearer pathway than remaining as Grimaldo’s understudy.

The deal represents sensible value. Ruggeri is young enough to improve but experienced enough to contribute immediately.