Aston Villa’s push to sign Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid could be one of those transfers that makes more sense for the squad than the headline suggests.
Villa are reportedly moving quickly for the 24-year-old Italian left-back, with Atlético waiting for Ruggeri to decide whether to accept the offer or hold out for another opportunity. Reports suggest a deal could move rapidly if the player gives the green light.
The urgency on Villa’s side is understandable.
Lucas Digne is expected to leave for Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Ian Maatsen as Villa’s only established senior option at left-back. That makes the position a genuine squad issue rather than simply an area where Unai Emery wants more competition.
Ruggeri also fits the profile of a player Villa can potentially use immediately while still having room to develop.
He made 47 appearances for Atlético during his first season in Spain and contributed seven assists. He also brings physical presence and defensive versatility, qualities that could complement Maatsen rather than simply duplicate what the Dutchman offers.
That could be particularly important for Emery.
Maatsen is known for his attacking qualities, so having another left-back capable of offering a different profile would give Emery more flexibility depending on the opponent and game state. Ruggeri’s height and defensive attributes could also allow him to provide cover in other defensive roles.
For Atlético, the situation is almost the opposite.
Ruggeri only arrived from Atalanta last summer, but the arrival of Alejandro Grimaldo has changed his prospects. Grimaldo is expected to become the first-choice left-back, while Dávid Hancko can provide cover. That means Atlético can sell Ruggeri without necessarily having to spend part of the incoming fee replacing him.
That makes this a potentially convenient deal for both clubs.
Villa need a left-back quickly. Atlético have a player they can now afford to move on. But the final decision belongs to Ruggeri.
And that is the fascinating part of this transfer: Villa may be ready to move immediately, Atlético may be ready to sell, but the player holds the deal in his hands.
If he says yes, Villa could solve one of their clearest squad problems before the new season properly gets going.
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