Arsenal linked with shock move for Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall
Arsenal are reportedly considering a sensational move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall, according to TEAMtalk. The potential transfer, described as a shock raid, would see the 20-year-old Swedish international cross one of football's most bitter rivalries. The report suggests Arsenal, along with Chelsea and Aston Villa, could look to capitalise if Tottenham's precarious league position results in relegation this season.
Spurs are currently embroiled in a relegation battle, a situation that could theoretically force a reconsideration of their stance on key players. Bergvall, signed from Djurgarden in 2024, is seen as a cornerstone of Tottenham's long-term project and is under contract until 2031, with the club previously insisting he is unsellable. However, the financial implications of dropping into the Championship could test that resolve, opening the door for rivals to submit what the report terms "imaginative proposals."
The rivalry between the two North London clubs is a significant complicating factor, with TEAMtalk noting that it currently puts Arsenal behind Chelsea in any potential pecking order for Bergvall's signature. The midfielder has endured an injury-disrupted season but remains highly regarded for his technical ability and potential. A move within the Premier League, should Tottenham survive, would be considered highly controversial.
In other defensive recruitment news, Arsenal are tracking Sporting CP right-back Ivan Fresneda, according to The Sun. The Gunners are expected to listen to offers for Ben White and have monitored several replacements, including Newcastle's Tino Livramento. Fresneda, who was scouted by Arsenal before his 2023 move to Portugal, has an €80 million release clause, but with two years left on his deal, Sporting may be open to a lower fee.
Furthermore, the future of key defender Gabriel Magalhaes is set to be a major storyline. According to Sports Boom, Real Madrid have placed the Brazilian at the top of their shortlist to rejuvenate their defence, while Paris Saint-Germain are also interested and are reportedly prepared to allocate an "unlimited budget" to sign him. Arsenal, however, view Gabriel as "untouchable" and would only consider a sale for a record fee in the region of €100-110 million.
Arsenal have also explored a move for Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza, who is out of contract this summer. Celta boss Claudio Giraldez admitted to SPORT that keeping the versatile right-back will be "difficult," with Aston Villa and Fulham also interested in a free transfer. Meanwhile, any pursuit of Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito appears over after his agent, Mario Giuffredi, stated the player wishes to stay at Inter "for the next ten years."
