Chelsea Locked in Multi-Team Battle to Land £35M Midfield Ace

Chelsea have enjoyed an impressive start under new head coach Liam Rosenior, winning eight of his first 11 games in charge, alongside one draw and just two defeats.

The latest statement came on Friday, as Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 away victory over Hull City in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The result continued the strong momentum the club has built since Rosenior’s appointment in early January.

Taking over mid-season presents both opportunity and urgency. New managers are immediately thrust into the transfer window, offering a chance to shape the squad in their image while addressing key weaknesses.

Despite that opportunity, Chelsea made only one addition during the winter window, signing 17-year-old Yisa Alao from Sheffield Wednesday for a reported £500,000.

That lack of activity was not due to inactivity behind the scenes. Chelsea reportedly explored multiple options including a move for one of their Premier League rivals’ brightest young midfielders.

Chelsea Attempted to Lure Tottenham Star

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Chelsea were among several clubs that made enquiries to Tottenham Hotspur regarding highly-rated midfielder Lucas Bergvall during the winter transfer window. Aston Villa were also noted with interest.

“Tottenham Hotspur could face a battle to keep hold of Lucas Bergvall this summer after being forced to rebuff enquiries from rival teams in the winter transfer market,” Ornstein wrote. “His situation alerted suitors in England and further afield, with Chelsea and Aston Villa among the 20-year-old’s long-term admirers.”

“Both sides made direct contact with Spurs to establish whether a potential opportunity existed, but it was made clear they currently do not intend to consider his departure and the matter advanced no further.”

Tottenham’s firm stance ended any immediate possibility of a move, but Bergvall’s situation remains one to watch. Chelsea, Aston Villa, and other interested clubs could re-enter the race when the summer transfer window opens.

Bergvall joined Spurs in February 2024 from Swedish side Djurgarden for a reported £8.5 million, signing a five-year contract. He quickly attracted attention across Europe, with Barcelona also reportedly interested in securing his signature at the time.

His rapid development led Tottenham to extend his contract just 12 months later, tying him to the club until the summer of 2031.

His rise has also been reflected in his market value, with Transfermarkt now valuing the Swedish midfielder at approximately £35 million.

Since arriving, the 20-year-old has made 71 appearances for Spurs, scoring twice. His first goal came in a crucial 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of the 2025 EFL Cup semi-finals.

Chelsea Remain Long-Term Admirers of Bergvall

Bergvall established himself as a key figure under Ange Postecoglou, making 45 appearances last season and earning the club’s Player of the Season award, which prompted his long-term contract extension.

“I’m really excited and grateful to everyone who helped me, and for the journey to continue,” he said upon signing the deal. “It’s a club with great ambition. I’m really enjoying being here and playing for this amazing football club.”

“I worked really hard for this and, with help from my team-mates and the staff, I’ve developed a lot this season.”

Despite Tottenham enduring a difficult domestic campaign, Bergvall played an important role in the club’s Europa League triumph, helping Spurs secure their first major trophy in 17 years.

However, he was unable to feature in the competition’s latter stages after suffering an ankle ligament injury prior to the semi-finals.

His role became less defined at the start of the 2025-26 season under Thomas Frank, with the youngster often deployed out of position. That shift, combined with managerial uncertainty, sparked renewed interest from clubs monitoring his development.

Currently sidelined with another ankle injury sustained last month, Bergvall faces a critical period in his young career. With Frank dismissed and Igor Tudor stepping in as interim manager, the midfielder could soon receive a fresh opportunity to re-establish himself.

For Chelsea, the interest reflects a continuation of their long-term strategy of targeting young, high-upside talent capable of developing into cornerstone players within Rosenior’s evolving project.

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