Aston Villa could seal immediate signing of Matteo Ruggeri within hours
Aston Villa are about to enter the transfer market once again after a flurry of exits from Villa Park.
Unai Emery has once again had to deal with several sales, with Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Lucas Digne all packing their bags.
Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes have arrived at Villa Park, but more action is needed in the market.
And it could happen very quickly, with Atletico Madrid's Matteo Ruggeri.
Not only would Villa be replacing Digne, but he could jump ahead of Ian Maatsen as first-choice immediately.
And if Emery and agents have anything to say about it, the move could be finalised within hours.
What is the latest with Matteo Ruggeri and Aston Villa?
This has come out of nowhere, but sources in Spain are more than confident.
Marca has reported on its website that Ruggeri could be leaving Madrid in the "coming hours".
The reputable Spanish outlet states that an immediate exit is on the cards, with Aston Villa making an offer already.
Ruggeri's agents have been at the Atletico training ground, and they'd welcome an exit only one year since he signed.
While the total possible price isn't revealed, it would be a profit on the £14.5million spent to sign him from Atalanta.
Why does Unai Emery want Matteo Ruggeri?
Despite only one full season in Madrid, Diego Simeone used the Italian frequently at left-back.
With 26 appearances in La Liga, the 24-year-old proved himself to be solid at the back, but also have an edge going forward.
Now, that is appropriate for replacing Digne.
While the French international was great going forward, he was awful at the back, with his efforts against Bournemouth haunting.
Ruggeri averaged 3.8 ball recoveries, as well as 2.5 clearances per game last season in Spain, while also creating five big chances.
They are decent numbers for a dominant side on and off the ball, so that would be expected at Villa Park, too.
Emery will know Spanish football inside and out, and if he was impressed with Ruggeri, then he has earned the trust of everyone at Villa Park.
Champions League football is back at Aston Villa, and they're making sure they're ready for just that.