Newcastle United face £50m threat after transfer target goes public, as Two Big EPL Clubs are now interested in the player
Arsenal Join the Race for £50m-Rated Newcastle Target Anthony Elanga
Arsenal have reportedly thrown their hat into the ring for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, who is currently valued at £50 million. The Swedish international has already been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United, but the Gunners are now believed to be serious contenders for his signature.
Newcastle in Search of a Right-Winger
Newcastle United’s need for reinforcements on the right wing is no secret. Following the departure of Miguel Almirón to Atlanta United, Jacob Murphy remains the only natural right-sided forward in Eddie Howe’s first-team squad. While the club has added attacking talent since the Saudi-backed takeover, right-wing options have been scarce.
One such signing was Yankuba Minteh, brought in to provide depth on the flank. However, Minteh never made an appearance for the Magpies before being sold to Brighton. With Newcastle preparing for a busier fixture calendar due to their qualification for the UEFA Champions League, adding a dynamic right-winger has become a top priority for the club.
Elanga, who has caught the eye with his performances for Nottingham Forest, has emerged as a leading candidate. The 23-year-old winger was a target for Newcastle during the previous summer window, with the club making a last-ditch attempt to sign him on deadline day—an effort that ultimately fell short.
Impressive Season at Nottingham Forest
Since moving to Forest, Elanga has continued to develop into a reliable attacking threat. He finished the 2023/24 Premier League season with 17 goal contributions, playing a pivotal role in helping Forest secure a spot in the UEFA Conference League. His blend of pace, technical ability, and work rate has made him a standout performer, and Forest are understandably reluctant to let him go without significant compensation. According to reports from the Daily Mail, the Midlands club have slapped a hefty £50 million price tag on the winger.
Arsenal Looking to Lighten Saka’s Load
Now, Arsenal have entered the fray. The Nottingham Post claims that the North London side are now vying with Newcastle for Elanga’s signature. Manager Mikel Arteta is said to be keen on adding attacking depth, particularly on the right wing, to ease the burden on Bukayo Saka.
Saka has been Arsenal’s go-to option on the right for several seasons, often playing through injuries and fatigue due to a lack of adequate cover. With Arsenal once again falling short in the Premier League title race, Arteta is determined to bolster his attacking options this summer. While bringing in a striker remains the club’s top priority, signing a capable alternative or support player for Saka has also become a pressing need.
Playing Time Could Sway Elanga’s Decision
In terms of immediate first-team opportunities, Newcastle may be able to offer Elanga a more straightforward path. With Saka firmly entrenched in the Arsenal starting lineup and a central figure for both club and country, minutes on the pitch could be more limited for any new arrival at the Emirates. In contrast, Elanga could slot into Newcastle’s starting XI more quickly, filling a clear gap on the right flank.
Newcastle fans were given a glimpse of Elanga’s quality firsthand during the 2023 Boxing Day clash at St James’ Park, where Nottingham Forest produced a stunning performance. The match is best remembered for Chris Wood’s hat-trick, but Elanga’s pace and creativity played a crucial role in the upset victory.
Elanga Responds to Transfer Speculation
When asked about the mounting transfer speculation while on international duty with Sweden, Elanga offered a composed and mature response. Speaking to Swedish media, he said:
> “There is a lot of talk. I focus on what I can do and my focus today was on the match. In football there are always rumours. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.”
He continued:
> “I guess there will always be scouts wherever I play as long as I stay focused and do my best in the match. I just keep my focus and what I can control. That’s what I can do on and off the field. I focus on the next day and action. That’s what I can do. He must have tried to call me about the match, that I should have scored.”
What Happens Next?
With Arsenal and Newcastle both pursuing Elanga, a bidding war could potentially unfold in the coming weeks. Forest, having seen the winger’s value rise over the past season, are in no rush to sell unless their valuation is met. Elanga’s next move may hinge on who can offer him the best combination of competitive football and personal development.
Whether he ends up donning black-and-white stripes or red-and-white, Elanga is undoubtedly one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League transfer market this summer.