Aston Villa has reached an agreement to sign Matteo Ruggeri, a left-back from Atletico Madrid, for a total fee of €26.5 million, according to reports from football journalist Fabrizio Romano. The deal consists of €25 million upfront, with an additional €1.5 million in potential bonuses. Ruggeri is expected to undergo medical examinations this week, contingent on the timely submission of the necessary paperwork.
The move comes as Villa seeks to bolster their defensive options following the departure of Lucas Digne earlier this summer. Ruggeri has emerged as a prime target for the club, demonstrating his capabilities during the previous La Liga season, where he made 26 appearances. His performance included creating five significant chances, winning 59 percent of aerial duels, and 38 percent of ground duels, while contributing to five clean sheets for Atletico Madrid.
Aston Villa is gearing up for a challenging season ahead, which kicks off with a UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning Champions League winners. With Ian Maatsen as the only left-back option, the club recognized the urgency of securing Ruggeri to strengthen their squad.
Ruggeri, noted for his impressive stamina, will become Villa's fifth signing of the summer, joining new arrivals Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Modou Keba Cisse. Following this acquisition, Villa is reportedly looking to shift their focus towards Joao Palhinha to reinforce their midfield, especially in light of Amadou Onana's recent injury.
In addition to their transfer activities, Villa is also facing challenges in retaining their key players. Defender Ezri Konsa has drawn interest from rival Premier League clubs, and it is crucial for Villa to keep him at Villa Park. Konsa has established himself as a dependable figure in Unai Emery's lineup, providing stability, versatility, and leadership in defense.
Retaining Konsa is vital for Villa, as losing him could lead to complications and necessitate further recruitment in the transfer market. While the club is making significant strides in strengthening their roster, ensuring the retention of their best players remains equally important for their ambitions this season.
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