Aston Villa vindicated after Pervis Estupiñán struggles continue at AC Milan

Aston Villa's decision not to pursue a deal for AC Milan left-back Pervis Estupiñán is looking increasingly sensible after the Ecuador international came under heavy criticism following the Rossoneri's defeat to Inter.

Villa were strongly linked with Estupiñán earlier this summer before negotiations stalled, with the Premier League club eventually turning their attention to Matteo Ruggeri instead.

Earlier in the transfer window, Aston Villa appeared close to agreeing a deal for Estupiñán.

However, negotiations broke down after AC Milan reportedly increased their demands following Morgan Rogers' big-money move to Chelsea, believing Villa had greater spending power than initially expected.

With no agreement reached, Estupiñán remained at San Siro and has featured during pre-season under Ruben Amorim as the new head coach assesses his squad.

Following AC Milan's recent friendly against Inter, Italian journalist Andrea Longoni questioned whether Estupiñán has a future at the club.

Writing for Calciomercato, Longoni argued that Milan should prioritise finding a new destination for the defender.

"Continuing with Estupiñán is a clear mistake."

He also suggested the Ecuadorian has struggled with concentration and claimed the Rossoneri should consider selling him permanently or even sanctioning another loan if necessary.

Longoni added: "He's not a Milan player. Trying to sell him, even on loan at worst, is the most sensible thing to do."

While Estupiñán's situation has become increasingly uncertain, Aston Villa have instead moved for Matteo Ruggeri.

The Italian left-back arrives with Champions League experience from spells at Atalanta and Atlético Madrid and is viewed as a player capable of making an immediate impact under Unai Emery.

Given the similar financial outlay involved, Villa's decision to switch targets could prove to be one of their smartest pieces of business this summer.

Estupiñán's future at AC Milan remains uncertain as the Italian club continue evaluating their squad before the transfer deadline. Aston Villa, meanwhile, look set to move forward with Ruggeri, ending any realistic chance of revisiting a deal for the Ecuador international.