Aston Villa enjoyed another memorable campaign under Unai Emery by finishing fourth in the Premier League for a second successive season.
They also lifted the UEFA Europa League, securing another place in the Champions League despite battling several injury problems during the second half of the campaign.
The summer has brought significant changes to Villa Park as the club continue managing Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Morgan Rogers completed a club-record move to Chelsea, while Youri Tielemans also left for Manchester United.
Villa responded by signing Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes, while Alejandro Garnacho arrived on a season-long loan from Chelsea. Villa have also continued their preparations for the new season.
They opened pre-season with a victory over Walsall before facing FC Porto and Real Sociedad. Emery’s side then defeated the Indonesia All Stars in Jakarta.
They are preparing for further friendlies against Bayern Munich before meeting Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.
Despite those additions, Villa still want another left-back before the transfer window closes.
According to Marca, via Mundo Deportivo, Aston Villa have joined the race to sign Matteo Ruggeri, with Emery identifying the Atletico Madrid defender as an ideal addition to his squad.
Atletico opened the door for Ruggeri’s departure after signing Grimaldo. The Spanish club will accept offers worth around €25 million for the Italian.
Atletico paid Atalanta just under €20 million to sign him only last summer. Roma and Juventus also want Ruggeri and hope to bring him back to Italy.
But Villa have now emerged as strong contenders for his signature. Ruggeri’s representatives have already travelled to Madrid to meet Mateu Alemany and discuss the defender’s future.
Atletico will not block a transfer if a club matches their asking price. Ruggeri has not decided on his next move.
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