Chelsea reportedly made a surprise enquiry to sign up Tottenham Hotspur Lucas Bergvall during the recently concluded January transfer window. Aston Villa were also supposedly in the fray.
Bergvall - who has been with Spurs since arriving from Djurgarden in the summer of 2024 - played a key part in Ange Postecoglou's side's UEFA Europa League triumph, beating domestic rivals Manchester United 1-0 in the final. The Swede contibuted three assists in 12 games but missed the two semi-final legs and the final due to ankle injury.
Despite Bergvali, 20, signing a new contract extension till 2031, The Athletic (via The Daily Mail) has reported that the Blues and Villa entered the fray after the player struggled for game time under the now-sacked Thomas Frank.
However, Spurs rejected both approaches for the player, who injured his ankle in the UEFA Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund last month. The midfielder is expected to be out of action for eight to twelve weeks and might only feature late on in the season.
Bergvali has made 26 appearances for Tottenham across competitions this season, scoring once and assisting four times. The lone strike has come in 17 outings in the Premier League, where Spurs are a lowly 16th, just five points clear of the drop zone and 15 points behind fifth-placed Chelsea (44) after 26 games.
What's next for Chelsea?
Chelsea are into the FA Cup fifth round.
Chelsea are into the FA Cup fifth round.
Chelsea are coming off a rousing 4-0 win at Championship side Hull City on Friday (February 13) in the FA Cup fourth round. Attacker Pedro Neto starred with a hat-trick - his first in senior football - while summer signing Liam Delap provided three assists.
Liam Rosenoir's side, though, have little time to celebrate the victory, as they next face Burnley at home in the Premier League on Saturday (February 21). The Blues are on a five-game unbeaten run in the competition - winning four - drawing 2-2 at promoted Leeds United in their previous outing last week.
The Blues are into the UEFA Champions League knockouts, finishing fifth in the league phase, and reached the EFL Cup semi-finals, losing 4-2 on aggregate to Premier League leaders Arsenal earlier this month.