Roberto De Zerbi wants Lucas Bergvall to remain at Tottenham Hotspur, and as the summer transfer window progresses, the chances of the Swede staying in north London are growing stronger.
Reports of Bergvall's desire to leave the club in search of greater first-term opportunities elsewhere came as a surprise. The young midfielder was named Spurs' Player of the Year during his debut season, endearing himself to supporters with his carefree and fearless attitude.
His second year was more of a struggle, with Thomas Frank misprofiling him as a No. 10 tasked with winning second balls. Bergvall then underwent ankle surgery in January, and struggled to carve out a role under De Zerbi down the stretch, with the Italian pivoting to experienced heads.
Understandably, Bergvall believes himself to be gifted enough to be playing regularly at the highest level. There's no doubting his talent, but Spurs' midfield has only become more congested following the arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
Thus, there's been a suggestion that Spurs would be open to selling the 20-year-old if their valuation is matched. Up to now, there's been Premier League interest and bids have been rejected.
Nottingham Forest targeting Tijjani Reijnders as Bergvall alternative
Sunderland, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest have all thrown their hat in the ring, with Spurs reportedly turning down offers from the latter two.
The Magpies, who offered £46m, have since turned their attentions elsewhere amid their desperate search to reinvent their engine room, while Forest are also seemingly moving on from Bergvall.
Fabrizio Romano reported earlier this week that Manchester City's Tijjani Reijnders is now on their shortlist, and Spurs insider ’Himothy’ adds that Forest are now putting all their eggs in the Dutchman's basket. City value Reijnders at £55m, but would surely need to acquire a replacement before sanctioning his sale, especially with Rodri heading to Barcelona.
Still, Bergvall's market is gradually thinning and the signs are pointing towards the midfielder fighting De Zerbi's shiny new toys for minutes this season.
The Swede has so far been pretty hard to profile. He's technically clean enough to contribute heavily in the build-up, but isn't particularly metronomic. His best work comes when he's carrying the ball, and should perhaps be used as an all-action No. 8. The 20-year-old's certainly willing out of possession, with his zeal occasionally getting him in to trouble.
We know that Bergvall is not the finished product, but I don't think we can be giving up on him just yet.
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