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Aston Villa Step Up Pursuit of Matteo Ruggeri as Atlético Prepare To Sell

Filling Villa's left-back vacancy from Lucas Digne's expected exit provides Atlético with transfer funds.

Overview

  • Reports say Aston Villa have lodged a firm approach for Matteo Ruggeri and want to conclude a deal quickly.
  • On Tuesday Ruggeri's agents met Atlético director Mateu Alemany and the player was left out of first-team training, moves that sources say signal a likely exit.
  • Spanish outlet Marca has reported a transfer agreement worth €18m plus €6m in add-ons, but that figure lacks universal independent confirmation.
  • Atlético's signing of Álex Grimaldo and other summer spending has pushed Ruggeri down the pecking order and created pressure to sell to raise funds.
  • Juventus and Roma remain interested and Ruggeri is weighing options, with Villa pursuing the signing to replace Lucas Digne before their Champions League campaign begins.