Aston Villa are close to reaching a full agreement with Atletico Madrid to sign 24-year-old Ruggeri for around €20 million, according to The Athletic.

Earlier this week, the two clubs had broadly agreed on a deal worth approximately €20 million, and Ruggeri was also discussing personal terms with the Premier League side. Although the transfer has not been finalized, Ruggeri did not travel with Atletico Madrid to South Korea for the pre-season tour, but instead continued negotiations with Villa.

The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Villa had included Ruggeri on their shortlist when looking for a replacement for Lucas Digne. French international Digne will transfer to Paris Saint-Germain for £8 million, as the Champions League winners have activated the release clause in his contract. Digne, 33, underwent a medical two weeks ago and is expected to finalize details after returning from vacation.

Ruggeri made 47 appearances for Atletico Madrid last season, providing 7 assists. He joined from Atalanta last summer, signing a five-year contract.

Since joining in July 2024, Dutch international Ian Maatsen has had limited playing time, but Villa has stated they will keep the 24-year-old this summer and see him as Digne's long-term successor.

Villa had previously been pursuing AC Milan defender Estupiñán, who played for Brighton and worked with Emery at Villarreal. There were no obstacles in personal terms, but negotiations stalled on the transfer fee, and Milan had just appointed Ruben Amorim as their new coach.

Ruggeri fits Villa's needs as the team is looking for a stronger left-back.

With Digne's impending departure to Paris Saint-Germain, Villa has been looking for a replacement. As previously reported, Villa wants to sign a physically stronger left-back to offer different characteristics to Ian Maatsen.

The 1.88-meter tall Ruggeri fits this requirement perfectly, and he has also played as a center-back. At 24, he is ready to go straight into the team and has the physical attributes to cope with the intensity of the Premier League.

Emery usually requires full-backs to push high up and provide width, but with Garnacho joining and potentially offering width on the left, a more defensive full-back might bring more balance to the team.

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