Aston Villa are nearing an agreement to sign Atletico Madrid defender Matteo Ruggeri as they look to replace the recently departed Lucas Digne.

A deal for the 24-year-old left-back is progressing rapidly, and he is expected to arrive at Villa Park after just a single season in the Spanish capital.

The Midlands club have been actively looking to revamp their defensive options this summer with an emphasis on adding greater physicality.

Super Cup reunion looms against Paris St-Germain

The incoming defender will step in to fill the void left by Digne, who completed an £8.5m return to Paris St-Germain on Sunday.

In a twist of fate, the French full-back could immediately face his former employers when Villa meet PSG in Wednesday’s Super Cup clash in Salzburg.

Manager Unai Emery is desperate to lift his first Super Cup trophy, having suffered defeat in his three previous appearances in the final.

With the Italian transfer target yet to finalise his move, Ian Maatsen is currently slated to start at the Red Bull Arena in Austria.

European pedigree and international ambitions

The highly-rated full-back established himself as a key figure under Diego Simeone last term, making 47 appearances across all competitions.

During that campaign, his side secured a fourth-place finish in La Liga but suffered heartbreak in the Copa del Rey final after losing on penalties to Real Sociedad.

Prior to his stint in Spain, the defender lifted the Europa League with Atalanta in 2024 and earned a well-deserved spot in the competition’s team of the season.

His impressive continental performances led to a first senior call-up for the Azzurri in March 2025, although he remains uncapped at the international level.

Villa had previously shown interest in AC Milan’s Pervis Estupinan, a player Emery managed at Villarreal, before ultimately settling on the promising talent.

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes was withdrawn after just 65 pitches during Tuesday’s defeat by the Miami Marlins following another concerning drop in his fastball velocity.

Manager Don Kelly insisted the early exit for the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner was a tactical decision rather than an injury-related precaution.

“[Kelly] walked me through everything, and it made sense,” Skenes said.

The three-time All-Star accepted the quick hook before the sixth inning and admitted he would likely have made the same managerial call.

Diminishing fastball speed

The right-hander allowed two runs on five hits while striking out four batters during his truncated start in Florida.

This outing highlighted a prolonged struggle with pitching speed, as the standout pitcher failed to throw a single pitch harder than 97 mph against Miami.

His declining average fastball velocity reveals a concerning downward trajectory over recent campaigns:

The latest performance also yielded a career-low 12% whiff rate, further amplifying external speculation regarding his overall physical condition.

Mounting workload concerns

While neither player nor manager directly addressed the statistical drop in speed, the American acknowledged that high-stress innings could be contributing to his recent fatigue.

“I think I’ve probably had more 30- to 35-pitch innings this year than I have probably in the last two years combined,” Skenes explained.

The defeat drops his seasonal record to 9-11 and continues a difficult nine-start stretch where he has compiled an inflated 5.79 ERA.

“We need to keep grinding and find a way, it’s frustrating for everybody,” Kelly concluded.

Lionel Messi has hinted he could soon retire from football following the death of his father and long-term agent, Jorge, who passed away aged 68 in Argentina last week.

Jorge Messi died in a hospital in the family’s hometown of Rosario following a long illness.

The 68-year-old had represented the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as his agent since the forward was just 14 years old.

In a heartfelt public statement, the Argentina captain admitted his father’s passing has left him with serious doubts regarding his playing future.

World Cup regrets and retirement doubts

The former Barcelona star revealed his father fell ill shortly before the World Cup but insisted his son participate in the tournament.

“I just played soccer and now I have a lot of doubts that I’ll keep doing it for a long time more.”

The legendary playmaker explained that he does not know how to go on without the man who guided his entire professional journey.

“You were by my side from the beginning, so close to the end. Why didn’t you hold on a little longer and we could have finished together?”

A lifelong bond on and off the pitch

Jorge was a constant presence throughout the forward’s illustrious career, handling complex contract negotiations while remaining a close confidant.

The current Inter Miami star reflected on their unique dynamic, describing his father as a parent, friend, and representative who never made a mistake.

“Obviously, you didn’t miss any of the games. How you suffered seeing me and how you enjoyed it, even though you never gave me many compliments.”

The veteran attacker concluded his tribute by promising to educate his own children using the exact same values his father instilled in him.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino is reportedly prepared to support expanding the World Cup to 64 teams to secure his future following major institutional backlash.

The Swiss administrator currently faces intense scrutiny regarding his leadership of global football’s governing body.

Recent proposals to sell shares of major international tournaments to private investors were shelved following widespread outrage.

European governing body Uefa even threatened to boycott future competitions if the controversial private investment scheme remained under consideration.

South American backing

In an effort to consolidate his power base, the former Uefa general secretary is now looking toward South America for political support.

Regional confederation Conmebol originally proposed the massive 64-team expansion for the centenary tournament in 2030.

The upcoming 2026 competition in North America has already grown from 32 to 48 participating nations.

Reports indicate that preliminary discussions regarding this further enlargement occurred during a recent diplomatic visit to Colombia.

The 2030 centenary tournament

The 2030 iteration of the global spectacle is already set to be an unprecedented logistical challenge spread across three continents.

Spain, Portugal and Morocco will serve as the primary host nations for the month-long event.

However, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay are also scheduled to stage one celebratory match each to commemorate the tournament’s 100th anniversary.

Adding an additional 16 teams to this sprawling geographical arrangement would drastically alter the infrastructure requirements for all host nations.

High-profile political support

Despite facing intense pressure from European football authorities, the current administration retains notable allies outside the sport.

Former United States president Donald Trump publicly defended the embattled executive on social media this week.

Fifa would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino.
He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented.

Trump further insisted that removing the incumbent leader would permanently damage the profitability of future international tournaments.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has personally contacted Arsenal to explain his decision to sign a new contract in Spain rather than move to London.

The Gunners had identified the 26-year-old as a primary transfer target this summer following encouragement from his representatives.

Arsenal’s hierarchy were fully prepared to make a significant financial investment had an extension in the Spanish capital failed to materialise.

Late optimism in London

Reports indicate that the Premier League side remained highly optimistic about securing a landmark deal until the final hours of negotiations.

Their confidence was bolstered by positive discussions with the player, during which the London club outlined how he would become the focal point of their team.

The prolific attacker was reportedly attracted to the ambitious project presented by manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s ownership.

The Brazilian international was entering the final stages of a previous deal worth €17.5m annually, prompting intense speculation over his long-term future.

Lucrative new terms agreed

An agreement between the superstar forward and his current employers was ultimately reached last week to end the transfer saga.

Spanish sources suggest a compromise salary of around €25m a year has been settled upon, reflecting his elite status within the squad.

The initial demands from the player’s camp reportedly centred around a €30m annual wage alongside an improvement in lucrative image rights.

A classy final touch

Despite the disappointment for the English club, contact between the two parties did not abruptly end following the finalised agreement.

The Madrid star took the time to reach out to Arsenal officials directly to confirm and explain his final choice.

He expressed gratitude for their extensive efforts, explaining that his deep affection for Madrid and their renewed financial commitment ultimately drove his decision.

This willingness to engage so deeply with another team demonstrates how genuinely open the highly-rated winger was to experiencing a new chapter in English football.

Manchester City have completed the £2m signing of Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille to provide backup for Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The World Cup winner arrives to bolster the goalkeeping department after James Trafford recently departed the Etihad to become the new first-choice stopper at Leeds United.

Rulli has agreed a two-year contract that will keep him in Manchester until 2028.

It marks a return to English football for the experienced shot-stopper, who previously spent the 2016-17 season with City without making a senior appearance.

European pedigree and international success

The former Ajax and Villarreal star is best remembered by British fans for his dramatic heroics against Manchester United in the 2021 Europa League final.

During a tense penalty shootout, the South American famously converted his own spot-kick before making the decisive save to secure the continental trophy for the Spanish side.

At international level, he has earned eight caps for his country and was a member of the Argentina squad that lifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

An amazing opportunity

When the chance to join Manchester City comes along you have to go for it.

The returning player expressed his excitement about rejoining a club with such an impressive track record of long-term success and incredibly high standards.

My job now is to train hard, get to know the players and staff and do everything I can to reach my best level.

City’s football director Hugo Viana praised the acquisition, highlighting the obvious top-level experience the new signing will bring to the dressing room.

It is clear we are getting a brilliant professional, as well as a top keeper.

Viana confirmed the Argentine will form part of a strong goalkeeping unit alongside Italian international Donnarumma and fellow squad member Marcus.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is exploring a summer move to sign former Chelsea players Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto.

The Italian tactician is preparing for his first season at Etihad Stadium and wants to reunite with familiar faces.

Midfielder Fernandez is reportedly open to departing Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea are demanding a £120m fee.

The West London club are reluctant to lose the Argentine World Cup winner, making their hefty valuation a significant obstacle.

Maresca has also identified lightning-fast winger Neto as a potential replacement for current City attacker Savinho.

Tottenham open talks for Balogun

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur have initiated discussions to sign Monaco striker Folarin Balogun in a deal potentially worth €60m (£51m).

The United States international has attracted heavy interest from English and Spanish sides throughout the summer.

Newcastle United are actively monitoring the 25-year-old forward, while clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey have made recent enquiries.

Arsenal offer teenager to United

In a bid to balance their finances, Arsenal have offered teenage defender Myles Lewis-Skelly to Manchester United for £45m.

The Gunners are attempting to recoup funds following their recent £75m acquisition of Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

United continue to prioritise Newcastle’s Lewis Hall for their left-back vacancy.

However, manager Matthias Jaissle is desperate to retain Hall after already losing Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

Barcelona negotiate Torres exit

In Spain, Barcelona have granted Ferran Torres permission to miss training as they negotiate his departure to Paris St-Germain.

The forward was due to return following an extended break after scoring the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup final.

The Catalan club are simultaneously working on an ambitious deal to bring Manchester City midfielder Rodri to the Nou Camp.

Meanwhile, Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr are scheduling face-to-face talks with AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will return to action for Paris Saint-Germain against Aston Villa in the Uefa Super Cup in Salzburg on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old was absent from the recent World Cup but is determined to reclaim the spotlight following a stellar domestic campaign.

He was named the Champions League player of the season in May as the French giants successfully defended their European crown.

Now, the reigning champions begin their new campaign eyeing an unprecedented third consecutive continental triumph.

The catalyst for Parisian dominance

While team-mates Desire Doue, Vitinha and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele have claimed recent plaudits, the Georgian remains the heartbeat of this side.

Since arriving from Napoli in January last year, the dynamic forward has transformed Luis Enrique’s team into a relentless pressing machine.

His high-intensity approach immediately elevated the standards of the entire forward line in the French capital.

During the latter stages of last season’s Champions League, no player scored more goals or provided more assists from open play.

A familiar threat for Aston Villa

Aston Villa will be acutely aware of the danger posed by the former Napoli star ahead of their showpiece meeting in Austria.

The lightning-fast winger previously tormented the Premier League side during a gruelling Champions League quarter-final clash in 2025.

His mesmerising footwork famously dismantled the Villa defence during the first leg of what was arguably the Parisians’ toughest European test that year.

Before his move to France, he famously ended Napoli’s long wait for a Serie A title, earning himself the affectionate nickname ‘Kvaradona’.

As club football resumes following a star-studded summer international tournament, this genuine outlier of the world game is ready to take centre stage once more.