Aston Villa close in on Ruggeri as attack plans take shape
Aston Villa want to strengthen their attack after Morgan Rogers' £116m sale to Chelsea, with a proven finisher targeted for 2026/27.
Villa can take heart before facing PSG after Luis Enrique’s side were beaten 3-0 by Mallorca, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ilya Zabarnyi struggling.
Aston Villa are close to signing Matteo Ruggeri after reaching an agreement in principle with Atletico Madrid.
Brian Madjo can play in 2026/27 after Villa's CAS appeal succeeded. The £10m striker has impressed in pre-season, but a loan to Burnley, Sheffield United or Wrexham is mooted.
Villa have made contact over Lyon attacking midfielder Pavel Šulc, who had 18 goal involvements last season. Leeds and Everton are keen, but no offers have been made.
Villa are optimistic John McGinn has avoided a serious knee injury after a scan, after he went off in the 3-1 win over BG Pathum United.
Villa are reportedly willing to sell Emi Martinez to keep Ezri Konsa amid Arsenal and Liverpool interest. Konsa is valued at £60m, while Martinez is said to want to stay.
Villa are among the clubs keen on Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, with the Serie A side reportedly open to offers of about £26m.
Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich missed training with minor adductor trouble and is unlikely to be risked against Villa in Friday’s friendly in Hong Kong.
