[REVISION HISTORY]

Estupiñán transfer stalled, Villa targets Ruggeri

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-04 15:17 UTC → 2026-08-08 13:13 UTC · added ~~removed~~

By mid‑July 2026 AC Milan confirmed that left‑back Pervis Estupiñán was available for transfer after losing his starting place. Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, reached personal terms and entered fee negotiations, with Milan seeking at least €13.6 million to recoup its €18 million purchase cost. Reported price bands of €15‑20 million led to a verbal agreement through agent Jorge Mendes. Villa intended to sign Estupiñán on a five‑year contract worth €3 million net per season, as a primary replacement for departing left‑back Lucas Digne. On 23 July, Milan announced the deal had been placed on hold. New head coach Rubén Amorim asked the board to evaluate the Ecuadorian defender before granting final approval, effectively freezing the paperwork. Sources indicate Milan originally asked €20 million, Villa offered €13 million, and the parties are now discussing a range of €15‑18 million. Earlier, on 30 June, Milan were reported to be considering a loan for Estupiñán as the 2026 World Cup approached, after only 22 appearances last season. On 12 July Villa made an informal enquiry, rejecting a €9 million bid and noting interest from other clubs. By 16 July the player had agreed personal terms and a verbal fee deal was in place. On 18 July Milan confirmed they were monitoring free‑agent Raphael Guerreiro as a low‑cost replacement, contingent on Estupiñán’s exit. On 3 August, Amorim imposed a veto, insisting on assessing Estupiñán during Milan’s pre‑season tour of Australia and Indonesia before any transfer decision. With the Estupiñán move still on hold, Villa pivoted to left‑back Matteo Ruggeri, reaching an agreement with Atletico Madrid for a fee that could rise to €21 million, including add‑ons, to cover the vacancy left by Digne’s imminent departure. Following the pre-season tour, Milan officially placed Estupiñán on the transfer market on 7 August.

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