​Aston Villa keen on Atletico and Italy full-back RuggeriAston Villa are pushing to sign Matteo Ruggeri, with the Italy full-back the first name Atlético Madrid are willing to sell to balance their books.According to Marca, Unai Emery’s side have entered the race with real intent and want to complete the deal quickly, potentially within hours.The operation now hinges on the player himself, who is weighing Villa’s offer against the possibility of a return to Italy.Ruggeri’s agents, Tullio Tinti and Manuel Montipó, met Atlético director Mateu Alemany at the club’s training base, after which the left-back was left out of the first-choice group in training, a clear sign he is on his way out.MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 14: Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)Atlético see Ruggeri sale as ideal businessFor Atlético, the move makes perfect sense. Having exhausted their budget on Álex Grimaldo, Morten Hjulmand and Kang-in Lee, they need sales to keep operating, and Grimaldo’s arrival has pushed Ruggeri down the pecking order.His departure would generate a profit on the €17m paid to Atalanta last summer and, crucially, would not require a replacement, with Dávid Hancko able to cover the position.Juventus and Roma had both considered Ruggeri earlier in the window, but it is Villa who have made the decisive move, and the final call now rests with the player.