Roberto De Zerbi has opened up on Lucas Bergvall's future, making it clear that he wants the highly rated midfielder to stay at Tottenham Hotspur despite firm transfer interest from Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. The Italian coach spoke about the situation after the youngster featured in pre-season, while also highlighting the fierce battle for places in the squad this year.

De Zerbi wants Bergvall to stay

As per a report by The Athletic, De Zerbi has stated clearly that he would prefer Bergvall to remain at Tottenham Hotspur this summer, although he is unable to promise him a place in the starting XI.

Bergvall told the club in June that he wanted to look for a new challenge, which sparked interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. After a recent pre-season match against Sydney FC, the manager spoke warmly about the player's enormous potential. "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 said.

Squad competition and midfield role

Tottenham have spent heavily on strengthening their squad, breaking their transfer record twice with the signings of Matheus Fernandes (£85m) and Sandro Tonali (£100m). That has created major competition for places for 20-year-old Bergvall, whose current contract runs until June 2031.

Last season, the midfielder played 33 matches in all competitions, totalling 1465 minutes and scoring one goal. De Zerbi accepts that Bergvall has a preferred role in midfield, but insists no player can be given assurances. “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.

Future talks and transfer uncertainty

Although the midfielder has not recently told the manager directly in person that he wants to leave, conversations have still taken place. De Zerbi stressed that any player representing the club must have the right mentality 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, pointing out that Bergvall will need to speak directly with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham or sporting director Johan Lange about his long-term future. At the same time, Tottenham are continuing their demanding pre-season preparations, with the final call resting with the club's hierarchy.

Next steps for the midfielder

As the summer transfer window moves forward, Bergvall is entering a crucial phase in his career. With Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest monitoring him, the young Swede must decide whether to battle for his place under De Zerbi or move elsewhere in search of guaranteed game time. The coming weeks will show whether Tottenham choose to approve an exit or whether the midfielder decides to remain.