Sports

Aston Villa closing in on €20m Matteo Ruggeri deal

Published

3 hours ago

August 8, 2026

Aston Villa are closing in on a full agreement to sign Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid.

The clubs had broadly agreed a deal for the 24-year-old earlier in the week in the region of €20million (£17.1m; $23.1m), and Ruggeri is advancing in personal terms with the Premier League outfit. While the transfer is not yet finalised, Ruggeri did not travel to South Korea for Atletico’s pre-season as he continued negotiations with Villa.

The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Ruggeri was among the options being considered by Villa as they sought a replacement for Lucas Digne. The France international will complete his £8million move to Paris Saint-Germain after the Champions League holders activated the release clause in his contract. Digne, 33, underwent a medical two weeks ago and is expected to finalise terms once he has returned from holiday.

Ruggeri made 47 appearances for Atletico last season, recording seven assists. He joined from Atalanta last summer, signing a five-year deal.

Netherlands international Ian Maatsen has struggled for minutes since joining in July 2024, but Villa have outlined their intentions to keep the 24-year-old this summer and view him as a long-term successor to Digne.

Villa had been pursuing AC Milan defender Pervis Estupinan, formerly at Brighton & Hove Albion and who worked with Unai Emery at Villarreal. Progress had been made, with personal terms not an issue. The sticking point centred on the fee with Milan, who had just hired Ruben Amorim as their new head coach.

Ruggeri fits the bill, as Villa eye a physical left-back

Villa were seeking a replacement following the imminent departure of Digne to PSG. As previously reported, Villa were wanting a more physical profile of left-back who could provide difference to Ian Maatsen.

Ruggeri, at six feet and two inches, fulfills that criteria while has shown versatility previously to play in central defence. At 24, the Italian is ready-made to come straight into the team, with his physicality understandably sufficient to cope with the rigours of the Premier League.

Unai Emery usually wants his left backs high and wide, but with Alejandro Garnacho joining and likely to provide width on that side, having a more defensively minded full-back could help offer balance.

Sports

How to watch Aces vs. Lynx: TV channel and streaming options for August 8

Published

6 minutes ago

August 8, 2026

qasimgillani

Aug. 8, 2026 5:48 am EDT Updated

Two of the WNBA’s best scorers take the court when Olivia Miles (eighth, 19.8 points per game) and the Minnesota Lynx (25-7) host A’ja Wilson (first, 26.6) and the Las Vegas Aces (22-9) on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.

How to watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Minnesota Lynx

Las Vegas vs. Minnesota odds

Spread: Minnesota -5.5 (-110), Las Vegas +5.5 (-110)
Favorite Moneyline: Minnesota -222
Underdog Moneyline: Las Vegas +180
Total: 183.5
Total Over Odds: -110
Total Under Odds: -110

Injury reports

Lynx

Emma Cechova: Out For Season (Knee),

Chloe Bibby: Out (Personal)

Aces

Justine Pissott: Out (Leg),

Cheyenne Parker-Tyus: Out (Concussion),

Janiah Barker: Out For Season (Leg)

Stats to know

The 92.4 points per game the Lynx average are 5.9 more points than the Aces give up (86.5).
Las Vegas puts up 8.3 more points per game (91.8) than Minnesota give up (83.5).
Natasha Howard posts 15.3 points, 3.2 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Wilson averages 26.6 points, 3.2 assists and 9.8 rebounds per contest.

This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.

Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

Photo: Julio Aguilar, Ethan Miller, Steph Chambers / Getty Images

Connections: Sports Edition Logo

Aug 8, 2026

Connections: Sports Edition

Spot the pattern. Connect the terms

Find the hidden link between sports terms

Sports

Raven Chapman could return to UK next week after brain bleed

Published

26 minutes ago

August 8, 2026

qasimgillani

Britain’s Raven Chapman could travel back to the UK next week after undergoing a second successful surgery on a brain bleed she suffered following a sparring session in Denmark.

The 32-year-old former world title challenger collapsed after training on 24 July and was taken by helicopter to hospital, where she was diagnosed with a brain haematoma and cerebral oedema.

After undergoing emergency surgery and being placed in a medically induced coma, Chapman’s management company, Vote Boxing, said she has had another successful procedure.

“This marks another important step in her recovery while also making it safer for her to travel back to the UK,” a statement said.

“If everything continues to progress as hoped, we are aiming for Raven to fly home sometime next week, where she can continue her recovery surrounded by her family and loved ones.

“Although there is still a long road ahead, this is a significant milestone, and we remain hopeful as Raven continues to make progress each day.”

Chapman has won 10 professional fights with two losses.

The Norwich-born fighter lost to Skye Nicolson for the WBC featherweight title in October 2024 in the only women’s world-title fight ever held in Saudi Arabia.

A GoFundMe page has been launched to help raise funds for Chapman’s rehabilitation and after-care has raised over £88,000.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who has supported Raven through her GoFundMe, as well as everyone who has sent messages, shared their prayers, and shown kindness throughout this incredibly difficult time,” the statement added.

“Your generosity and support have meant more than words can express and have provided tremendous strength to Raven and her loved ones.

“Thank you for continuing to keep Raven in your thoughts as she continues her recovery.”

Sports

How to watch the women’s National Bank Open presented by Rogers: Streaming options for the Round of 16

Published

1 hour ago

August 8, 2026

qasimgillani

Aug. 8, 2026 4:45 am EDT Updated

There are four women’s matches at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers today, the best being No. 11-ranked Marta Kostyuk versus No. 8 Iga Swiatek.