Aston Villa close to agreeing deal for Atletico left-back Matteo Ruggeri

Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Atletico Madrid left-back Matteo Ruggeri to Villa Park, a move reported on 12 August 2026. The deal is described as progressing and Ruggeri is expected to join after one season at Atletico.

Ruggeri came through Atalanta's academy and won the Europa League with Atalanta in 2024, when he was named in the competition's team of the season. He has represented Italy across the youth levels and earned a first senior call-up in March 2025 but is yet to make a senior appearance. After his time at Atalanta he moved to Atletico last summer, signing a five-year contract and making 47 appearances for the club last season.

Villa view Ruggeri as a direct replacement for Lucas Digne; Digne completed an £8.5m return to Paris St-Germain on Sunday. The club's recruitment focus this summer has included strengthening the left-back position and Villa see Ruggeri as a primary target as that work continues.

The squad search for a more physical option at left-back also saw Villa show interest in AC Milan's Pervis Estupinan, who previously played for Unai Emery at Villarreal. Ian Maatsen is due to start for Villa against Paris St‑Germain at the Red Bull Arena in Austria as the club finalises preparations for their imminent fixtures.

Ruggeri joined Atletico from Atalanta last summer and signed a five-year deal before making 47 appearances in his first season with the Madrid club. Atletico finished fourth in La Liga and lost the Copa del Rey final on penalties to Real Sociedad last term.

Manager Unai Emery is seeking his first UEFA Super Cup victory after having lost his three previous finals. The potential arrival of Ruggeri would conclude Villa's recent activity in the left-back market ahead of a key early-season fixture.

The transfer is progressing as Villa prepare to play Paris St‑Germain in the Super Cup in Salzburg on Wednesday.