Ruggeri’s absence from Atletico’s trip to South Korea has only added to the expectation that Villa are pressing ahead. Matteo Ruggeri emerges as leading Aston Villa targetVilla’s recruitment team had assessed several options. They “were wanting a more physical profile of left-back who could provide difference to Ian Maatsen.” The source analysis adds that “Ruggeri fits the bill, as Villa eye a physical left-back” and notes that “having a more defensively minded full-back could help offer balance.” The detail that Villa wanted “a more physical profile of left-back” is the key point for me.