'Potentially a top, top player' - Roberto De Zerbi insists he wants Lucas Bergvall to stay at Tottenham amid Newcastle & Nottingham Forest transfer links
Roberto De Zerbi has insisted he wants Lucas Bergvall to stay at Tottenham Hotspur despite the midfielder expressing a desire to leave. Speaking after Bergvall featured in a pre-season fixture against Sydney FC, De Zerbi outlined his stance on the 20-year-old's future at the club.
"I would like that he stays with us I think he's potentially a top top top player But then I don't want to convince anyone to stay," De Zerbi stated. The Swedish midfielder informed Tottenham of his desire to seek a new challenge in June, prompting interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle have already had a 38 million bid rejected but are expected to maintain their pursuit of Bergvall, whose current contract runs until June 2031. Last season, the midfielder made 33 appearances across all competitions, accumulating 1465 minutes and scoring one goal.
De Zerbi acknowledged the inherent challenge in guaranteeing playing time to any player, particularly given Bergvall's preferred role. "It's very clear his idea He wants space He wants to play as a double pivot as a position I can't give for any player in the world the place in the first XI guaranteed," the manager explained.
The Italian emphasized that any player remaining at Tottenham must demonstrate the correct attitude and commitment. "To stay with us we have to have the right spirit to stay He's a good guy We will see in the next weeks," De Zerbi added.
Bergvall will need to speak directly with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham or sporting director Johan Lange regarding his long-term future at the club. As the summer transfer window progresses, the Swedish midfielder faces a defining period in his career, with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest circling. He must decide whether to fight for his place under De Zerbi or pursue guaranteed minutes elsewhere.