Nottingham Forest are ready to raise their offer for Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall, with a bid worth £45 million expected after their initial £38 million approach was turned down last week.
The 20-year-old Sweden international is interested in a switch to the City Ground after seeing his opportunities become more restricted towards the closing stages of last season. He also spent much of that period playing away from his preferred number six role under Tottenham head coach Roberto de Zerbi.
Forest’s pursuit comes as the club continues to strengthen its squad during the summer transfer window, with Bergvall identified as one of the priority targets.
Glasner eager for new arrivals
Speaking during his first press conference as Nottingham Forest manager on Thursday, Oliver Glasner chose not to discuss Bergvall directly but admitted he is eager to welcome new signings as soon as possible.
“I have one strength and weakness, it’s impatience. Sometimes it’s a strength, sometimes it’s a weakness,” Glasner said.
He added that he would have preferred new players to already be working with the squad but acknowledged that was unrealistic because several of the footballers Forest is negotiating with were involved at the World Cup and are still on holiday. Even so, Glasner expects additional recruits to join the squad during the club’s training camp in Portugal.
Bergvall’s progress at Tottenham
Bergvall arrived at Tottenham from Swedish side Djurgarden in 2024 and enjoyed an impressive first Premier League campaign, earning the club’s player of the year award.
That season also saw Spurs lift the Europa League trophy, ending a wait of 17 years for major silverware. His performances were rewarded in April 2025 with a contract extension running until 2031.
Last season, the midfielder made 33 appearances in all competitions, although an ankle operation ruled him out for two months. On the international stage, he has collected 14 caps for Sweden and featured at the World Cup, where his country was eliminated by France in the last 32.
Forest continue reshaping their squad
Forest’s interest in Bergvall comes after Elliot Anderson completed a record-breaking transfer to Manchester City, leaving the club searching for another option in midfield.
However, the club are not planning a repeat of last summer’s recruitment drive, when 13 players arrived for a combined £180 million. This time, the emphasis is on adding quality rather than making numerous signings.
Alongside midfield reinforcements, Forest are also seeking a goalkeeper to provide competition for Matz Sels and John Victor. The club is additionally targeting a striker to support Chris Wood, who turns 35 in December, and Igor Jesus.
