Roberto De Zerbi claims Lucas Bergvall wants to stay at Tottenham | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi believes Lucas Bergvall wants to remain at Tottenham, despite the midfielder previously telling the club he preferred a new challenge.

According to NY Times, Bergvall featured only sporadically as De Zerbi preserved Spurs’ top-flight status over a seven-game run. The 20-year-old’s injury-hit season brought 28 league appearances and 11 starts, just one under De Zerbi.

Tottenham have rejected approaches from Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United this summer, and De Zerbi now suggests the Swede’s future is in north London. He said they spoke in pre-season, called Bergvall a top talent and believes he wants to stay.

Bergvall has impressed in pre-season in a midfield pivot, featuring against Sydney FC, Chelsea and Hoffenheim.

He could start at Brentford, with £85million ($116m) signing Mateus Fernandes still building fitness after a minor injury, though the Portugal international is set to make the matchday squad. De Zerbi also prefers a 21 or 22-player group, hinting at further departures.

On Pape Matar Sarr, he said the midfielder reported late after time in Senegal and that his future will be analysed. Spurs have already recouped well over £100m after multiple departures, while Guglielmo Vicario has joined Juventus on loan.

De Zerbi does not expect to replace Spence given Gray’s versatility, though he was disappointed to lose a player who wants to play 38 games. Spurs are close to signing Manchester City winger Savinho, Omar Marmoush could follow, and he said business is not finished while declining to discuss targets before they are official.

Source: NY Times

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”