Tottenham Hotspur have rejected an opening £38 million bid from Nottingham Forest for midfielder Lucas Bergvall, according to John Percy. Percy reports that Forest have identified the Sweden international as their priority replacement for Elliot Anderson, who recently completed a move to Manchester City.
However, Tottenham are understood to value Bergvall closer to £50 million, with Forest expected to return with an improved offer.
The 20-year-old is contracted until 2031, placing Spurs in a strong negotiating position despite growing interest in his services.
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Tottenham Reject Forest Bid for Midfielder
Bergvall’s Current Situation
Bergvall has already been at the centre of significant transfer speculation this summer after David Ornstein reported that the midfielder informed Tottenham he wanted to leave following concerns over his role in Roberto De Zerbi’s plans.
However, Percy later reported that Spurs have no intention of selling the Sweden international, with both De Zerbi and sporting director Johan Lange holding talks to reassure him of his importance to the club’s long-term project.
Since arriving from Djurgårdens in 2024, Bergvall has made 78 appearances for Tottenham, playing an important role in both the club’s UEFA Europa League triumph and their successful battle against relegation last season.
Competition for places is expected to intensify following the arrivals of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. Bergvall will now compete alongside Fernandes, Tonali, Archie Gray, Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Conor Gallagher, and James Maddison for midfield minutes.
With Spurs not involved in European competition during the 2026/27 campaign, opportunities are likely to be more limited, something that could continue to fuel speculation over Bergvall’s future despite the club’s firm stance.
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Forest Identify Midfielder as Top Target
Forest are searching for a replacement following Anderson’s £116 million move to Manchester City, with Percy reporting that Bergvall has emerged as their preferred target.
The 20-year-old’s versatility is likely to be a major attraction for new Forest boss Oliver Glasner. Although naturally a box-to-box midfielder, Bergvall is equally comfortable operating in a deeper role, carrying possession through midfield or driving forward in support of the attack.
Should he arrive at the City Ground, Bergvall would join a midfield featuring Ibrahim Sangaré, Nicolás Dominguez, and Ryan Yates, alongside more attacking options, Morgan Gibbs-White and James McAtee.
Any negotiations between the clubs would also come less than a year after the collapse of Tottenham’s pursuit of Gibbs-White, when Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis intervened to halt the proposed move.
Spurs Face Midfield Decisions
Tottenham’s midfield has already undergone significant changes this summer. Yves Bissouma has departed following the expiry of his contract, while João Palhinha returned to Bayern Munich after the conclusion of his loan spell.
At the same time, Fernandes and Tonali have arrived to strengthen De Zerbi’s options ahead of the new season. Fabrizio Romano also reported earlier this summer that Tottenham rejected an approach from Newcastle United for Gray, with Spurs unwilling to sell the English midfielder.
Although Forest are expected to return with an improved offer for Bergvall, Tottenham’s valuation and recent stance suggest they remain reluctant sellers. With De Zerbi reinforcing his importance to the side, the Swedish international still appears to have an important role to play in north London.
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Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Every Second Media
