Aston Villa have moved closer to solving their left-back problem after agreeing a deal with Atlético Madrid for Matteo Ruggeri.Unai Emery needs another natural option on that side because Lucas Digne is expected to depart, leaving the squad short of experience and width.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYRuggeri offers the physical profile Villa want, combining defensive strength with the ability to push forward as a wing-back.Their transfer window has largely been shaped by important departures and targeted replacements, so adding a player ready to compete immediately would represent another practical step in the rebuild.Club to club agreement reached for RuggeriAccording to Marca, Villa accelerated their interest after identifying Ruggeri as a strong option to replace Digne.Atlético are prepared to approve the transfer after signing Alejandro Grimaldo, whose arrival reduced the Italian’s likely playing time under Diego Simeone.Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustThe clubs have reportedly settled on a package worth around €18 million, plus approximately €6 million in potential bonuses.Ruggeri recorded seven assists in 47 appearances during his only season in Madrid, showing that he can contribute consistently in advanced areas.Villa need that attacking output from full-back, particularly when Emery asks his wide defenders to support possession and create overloads around the penalty area.More Stories / Latest NewsJust in: Arsenal pursuit for winger hit by intervention from Jose MourinhoAug 6 2026, 6:58Medical done, new Arsenal signing “to be announced soon”, says Fabrizio RomanoAug 6 2026, 6:54From Spain: Aston Villa reach agreement to sign La Liga defenderAug 6 2026, 6:45The player is still making Aston Villa waitDespite the club agreement, AS reports that Ruggeri has not yet given his final approval.He has been left out of Atlético’s trip to South Korea while considering Villa’s proposal and approaches from clubs in England and Italy.The total package could eventually reach around €25 million if all variables are achieved.That outside interest could delay the transfer or encourage Ruggeri to seek improved personal terms.Villa must therefore convince him that regular Premier League football and Emery’s project offer a clearer pathway than remaining as Grimaldo’s understudy.The deal represents sensible value. Ruggeri is young enough to improve but experienced enough to contribute immediately.Man United and Aston Villa enter race for experienced €30m Serie A star The post From Spain: Aston Villa reach agreement to sign La Liga defender appeared first on CaughtOffside.