Chelsea and Tottenham agreed two transfers on deadline day and there were reports of an approach over a third move that did not materialise
Roberto De Zerbi and Xabi Alonso
Tottenham and Chelsea conducted two bits of deadline day business(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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Chelsea's quest to find a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, ahead of the Argentina star's blockbuster move to Manchester City, was said to have taken a surprise twist before the end of the transfer window. The Blues advances were understood to have moved in the direction of Tottenham star Lucas Bergvall as they looked to improve their options before Fernandez's £125million move.
Tottenham deny that they discussed an approach from their London rivals, and Chelsea's focus appeared to be elsewhere on deadline day. Bergvall had pushed for an exit from Spurs earlier in the summer, but Roberto De Zerbi made it clear ahead of deadline day that the Swede would remain at the club.
"Lucas Bergvall, 100 per cent," De Zerbi responded when asked if the Swede wanted to stay at Tottenham. "We spoke a lot in pre-season. He's a top player, a top potential player. I like he stays, but I think now he wants to stay and we have no problem."
Despite the uncertainty over Bergvall, Chelsea believed they had found their Fernandez replacement. The Blues agreed a deal with Monaco for Lamine Camara before watching the transfer collapse at the final moment.
The Blues reached a written agreement with Monaco, understood to be worth £47million, but the Ligue 1 side pulled the plug on the deal when they expected Folarin Balogun to join Everton. That deal also fell through when the striker opted to walk away from the move.
Chelsea officials were left furious by Monaco's last-minute U-turn, with the French club having damaged their relationship with the Blues as a result.
Lucas Bergvall of Tottenham Hotspur
Lucas Bergvall was linked with an exit all window(Image: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
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With Fernandez gone, Xabi Alonso now has more limited midfield options. Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, and Jordan Henderson are among the senior candidates, with Reece James also capable of stepping in.
Tottenham, meanwhile, despite Bergvall staying at the club, underwent a midfield transformation during the transfer window. Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali arrived in mega-money deals, but Roberto De Zerbi has retained faith in Bergvall's abilities.
The club turned down approaches across the summer but eventually saw Bergvall soften his desire to leave. Pape Matar Sarr saw his request to depart fulfilled, however, and joined Juventus on a £2.4million loan with an obligation to buy for £23.5million.
Tottenham and Chelsea did combine to agree on two deals that went through on deadline day, however. Tosin Adarabioyo moved across London permanently, while Mykhailo Mudryk has joined the Lilywhites on loan.
De Zerbi hopes he can unlock the latter's best form. "Having worked with Misha earlier in his career, I know exactly what he can bring to our team," he said.
"He has the quality to change a game with his speed and ability in one-vs-one situations, and is an exciting, attacking talent. I will demand a lot from Misha and it is our job to help him find the best version of himself.
"If we do that then he can become a very important player for us. I am very happy he chose to come here, and I cannot wait to work with him again."