Matteo Ruggeri's 5.78 and 2.43 stats show Aston Villa could be about to pull off top signing
Matteo Ruggeri has emerged onto Aston Villa's radar as they consider several options to bolster their left-back depth.
Unai Emery is looking to sign a new left-back this month as Lucas Digne prepares to join PSG for around £8million.
Digne has been Villa's first choice in the position for several seasons, with Ian Maatsen deputising in his absence.
AC Milan's Pervis Estupinan is a reported target, but they are exploring other options as a fee is yet to be agreed with the Italian giants.
Atletico Madrid's Ruggeri is on Villa's radar, according to widespread reports, as Emery feels he fits the physical profile he wants from his new left-back.
The 24-year-old looks to be edging closer to a Villa Park move, and is likely to feature heavily as they return to the Champions League in 2026-27.
He returned to the competition with the Serie A side in 2024-25 after being named in the 2023-24 Europa League Team of the Season, making six appearances and three starts as they were knocked out in the play-off stage by Club Brugge.
Ruggeri recorded impressive stats across the board compared to other UCL full-backs that season, with 2.43 chances created, 2.43 successful crosses, 5.78 recoveries and 2.43 clearances per 90.
He remained in the Champions League last season after joining Atleti, with 15 appearances, 13 starts and three assists as they made the semi-finals.
The 24-year-old's standout performance from his UCL campaign came against Club Brugge in February, with one assist, five chances created, nine recoveries and six defensive contributions.
He also picked up an assist against Barcelona in their quarter-final first-leg victory, while recording the joint-most defensive contributions (6) and winning four ground duels.
Ruggeri went on to create the most chances (4) in Atleti's semi-final first-leg draw against Arsenal before they were eventually beaten in the second-leg.
What is the latest on Estupinan to Villa?
It looks set to be a busy end to the window for those behind the scenes at Villa Park, with sources telling Football Insider that Everton star James Garner is now a top target for the coming weeks.
Estupinan was regarded as Villa's priority target for left-back following the end of the last campaign, but things look to have changed in the last 24 hours.
The former Brighton star struggled in his first season at Milan, making just 13 Serie A starts and 22 appearances altogether.
Italian outlet La Gazzetta Dello Sport reported on Tuesday morning that new boss Ruben Amorim has blocked his exit, however, as he plans to utilise the Ecuadorian in his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation.
It makes sense, then, why reports of Villa's interest in Ruggeri have surfaced since the start of the week, with a move now seeming likely.