Here we go! Aston Villa reach agreement with Atlético for Italian defender transfer

Aston Villa have reached a verbal agreement with Atlético Madrid for the signing of Matteo Ruggeri, with the deal valued at €25 million plus €1.5 million in bonuses.

Details: Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the transfer with his trademark “here we go”: the clubs have struck a deal, and the 24-year-old Italian has given the green light for a move to Birmingham. The medical examination and flight are scheduled for this week, provided the paperwork is approved in the coming hours.

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This move has been brewing for Unai Emery: left-back Lucas Digne is on his way out, with the Frenchman set to join PSG, and the Spanish manager has been searching for a worthy replacement on the flank. Ruggeri became Villa's top priority at the start of August, and Atlético did not stand in the way of a player who had joined the Madrid club just a year ago from Atalanta for €17 million plus add-ons.

Reminder: Major reinforcement for Unai Emery! Aston Villa lines up transfer for Atletico defender