Despite finishing the last two Premier League campaigns in 17th position, there’s a cautious sense of optimism building at Tottenham Hotspur during the summer window.

Roberto De Zerbi has already splashed over £230m on new additions, with the main focus on being completing an overhaul of the Lilywhites’ midfield department.

Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have both already arrived for a combined £185m, with both deals breaking the club’s transfer record in the process.

Both will provide quality and Premier League experience to the heart of the Italian’s side, but it could spell bad news for one player who looks set to leave North London.

What the future holds for Lucas Bergvall at Spurs

Despite the struggles in the Premier League last term, midfielder Lucas Bergvall was a player who often provided a shining light - as seen by his tally of one goal and three assists.

However, it’s no secret that football has become a brutal industry, with the Swedish star going from a key player to a potential outcast after the summer business.

The player has stated his desire to leave the Lilywhites for pastures new this window, leading to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United both making offers for the 20-year-old.

Speaking ahead of Spurs’ latest pre-season clash this morning, De Zerbi said: “I have not spoken with Lucas yet, I will in the next days. And we will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me.

“Without problems, Lucas is a big, big talent. There will be a big competition to play because at the end I think we will be two players for each position. If he wants to stay, I will be happy. Otherwise, we have to find a new solution.”

Such comments have no doubt opened the door for the youngster to explore moves away from North London - with previous reports claiming he wants to join Oliver Glasner’s side.

His current £60m asking price could prove to be a stumbling block in any transfer, but it would showcase phenomenal business from the Lilywhites, having signed him for £8m two years ago.

How Spurs can land a player a class above Bergvall this summer

Despite moves for Tonali and Fernandes already this summer, the Spurs hierarchy have set their sights on a move for a third midfield signing to bolster De Zerbi’s ranks.

Bournemouth star Alex Scott has appeared on the club’s radar over recent days, but it’s unlikely the Lilywhites will spend another £80m, given the moves for the aforementioned duo.

As a result, cheaper alternatives will have to be considered ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, which has seen former Chelsea star N’Golo Kante linked with a move to North London.

It’s been reported by Turkish journalist Talha Arslan that Spurs have expressed an interest in landing the Frenchman from Super Lig club Fenerbahçe this summer.

He fails to mention how much a deal for the 35-year-old could cost this window, but he would be a player who could offer proven top-level quality to De Zerbi’s ranks.

The midfielder only arrived in Turkey back in February, but could be set for a return to England three years after leaving London rivals Chelsea to join Al Ittihad.

Kante is undoubtedly coming to the back end of his professional career, but he could offer an experienced option to help the likes of Tonali and Fernandes with their development.

Such a move would no doubt see Bergvall pushed further down the pecking order and move closer to the exit door - but who can blame the Lilywhites for going after a world-class operator?

The French star boasts two Premier League titles, a Champions League and World Cup trophy to his name - which certainly makes him a class above the Swedish international.

Despite his age, Kante managed to better Bergvall in various key areas last season, subsequently completing more of the dribbles and passes he attempted in European competitions.

He also offered a superb option without the ball, subsequently winning 56% of his ground duels and making 2.9 tackles per 90 - both figures way above those produced by the 20-year-old.

To further highlight how impressive such numbers were, he ranked above 85% of all players on the continent in the aforementioned departments - backing up Frankie Lampard’s claim that he’s “one of the best midfielders in the world.”

Kante’s tally of 6.2 ball recoveries and 1.6 interceptions made also placed him in the top 20% of midfielders in Europe and demonstrates his elite-level ability to disrupt the opposition.

At 35, he may be a signing that very few Spurs fans will get on board with, but he would add a proven Premier League option to the heart of De Zerbi’s side.

There’s no denying he would only be brought in as a squad option, but his previous levels in England’s top-flight could hand Tonali and Fernandes the perfect chance to learn from the French star.

Such a move would also free up Bergvall to complete a move away from North London, which could see the Lilywhites recoup another staggering sum for a fringe first-team player.