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Aston Villa has officially announced the transfers of Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki. The Italian defender joins from Atletico Madrid for €25 million, plus an additional €1.5 million in bonuses. Meanwhile, the Japanese goalkeeper, who was previously linked with Paris Saint-Germain, arrives from Parma for €30 million, with a further €5 million in add-ons.
The 24-year-old Ruggeri comes to Villa Park after just one season with Atletico, and is expected to replace Lucas Digne, who has returned to PSG.
The acquisition of 23-year-old Japanese international Zion Suzuki fuels further speculation surrounding the future of Emiliano Martinez, who has been linked with a move away for yet another summer. However, the Birmingham club rejected a low offer from Juventus for the Argentine, after which the 'Bianconeri' signed Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham. In recent days, rumors have emerged that the 'Spurs' themselves might make an offer for Martinez, who still has three years remaining on his Aston Villa contract.
Ruggeri and Suzuki are the fifth and sixth new signings for the Birmingham side this summer, respectively. Previously, midfielders Johan Manzambi and João Gomes were brought in, along with Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho on a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option. Highly-rated young central defender Modou Keba Cisse has also been added to the squad. Villa Park has also secured the transfer of Aaron Wan-Bissaka from West Ham. The DR Congo right-back will initially join the Villans on loan, with the agreement including a mandatory purchase clause at the end of the season.
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