Anthony Elanga state of play as Nottingham Forest transfer stance set out and speculation addressed

Nottingham Forest Prepare for Pivotal Summer Transfer Window as Interest in Anthony Elanga Builds

 

As the summer transfer window prepares to reopen next week, Nottingham Forest are setting the stage for what promises to be a defining period in their pre-season preparations. Starting Monday, Premier League clubs will once again be able to conduct official transfer business after a brief pause in the window. For Forest, this upcoming stretch could significantly shape their 2025/26 campaign.

 

After making impressive strides last season, manager Nuno Espirito Santo and his squad are determined to build on that momentum. Having secured a seventh-place finish in the league and a place in the UEFA Conference League, Forest are now focused on strengthening the team further—while also holding firm on retaining their top performers. Among those attracting considerable attention is Anthony Elanga, whose future at the City Ground has become a topic of increasing speculation.

 

Elanga’s Rise and Background

 

The 23-year-old Swedish international arrived at Nottingham Forest from Manchester United and has since become one of the club’s standout players. His performances during the past season—where he tallied 11 assists and six goals—have not gone unnoticed. Elanga played a pivotal role in Forest’s successful league campaign, becoming a key component in Nuno’s attacking system. His ability to stretch defenses, contribute in the final third, and adapt to various forward roles has made him an invaluable asset.

 

It’s not the first time Elanga has been on the radar of bigger clubs. In fact, Newcastle United expressed serious interest in the winger last summer, reportedly lodging a £35 million deadline-day bid. That offer was swiftly rejected by Forest, who were unwilling to part ways with one of their brightest talents at the time. Despite that setback, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has continued to monitor Elanga’s progress closely.

 

Renewed Transfer Interest

 

Now, with another summer window upon us, Newcastle have reignited their interest in the Swedish winger. Reports from the Daily Mail suggest that the Magpies have made a fresh enquiry about Elanga’s availability, although discussions are said to be in the very early stages. Nevertheless, Newcastle appear to be positioning themselves for another approach.

 

However, they are not alone. According to TBR Football, several other top-tier Premier League clubs are tracking Elanga. Arsenal are reported to have a strong interest, while Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are also believed to be keeping tabs on his situation. Elanga’s growing list of admirers reflects his increasingly high profile in English football.

 

Could Forest Cash In?

 

Financially speaking, Forest are not under immediate pressure to sell. The club finds itself in a stable position and has no urgent need to raise funds through player sales. This allows them some leverage when it comes to fending off bids for key players.

 

Nonetheless, the reality of modern football is that even financially secure clubs must consider significant offers, particularly if they reach levels that far exceed a player’s initial value. Forest understand the influence players like Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi have—not just in terms of talent, but also for maintaining continuity and chemistry on the pitch.

 

That said, holding onto Elanga might not be straightforward if a substantial bid comes their way. While last summer’s £35 million offer was dismissed, any future offer is likely to need to exceed that significantly. The Daily Mail has suggested that Forest would not entertain offers under £50 million, and TBR Football has placed Elanga’s valuation north of £60 million.

 

Meanwhile, ChronicleLive, a sister outlet to NottinghamshireLive, reported that Newcastle would need to “blow Forest out of the water” with a massive fee to stand a realistic chance of landing the winger. They added that if the price becomes too steep, Howe may opt to explore alternative targets rather than engage in a bidding war.

 

Elanga’s Perspective on Transfer Speculation

 

Despite the mounting speculation, Elanga himself has remained composed and professional. Speaking after representing Sweden in their 2-0 win over Hungary last week—where he was asked to lead the line in the absence of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres—Elanga addressed the rumors surrounding his future.

 

“In football, there are always rumours. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control,” he said. “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 was also asked jokingly whether fellow Swede and Newcastle striker Isak had contacted him in an effort to lure him to St James’ Park. Elanga replied with a smile, “He must have tried to call me about the match, that I should have scored.”

 

What Comes Next?

 

With the window set to officially reopen, the coming weeks will be decisive not just for Nottingham Forest’s recruitment strategy but also for their ability to retain top talent. As clubs line up to tempt Elanga away, Forest will have to weigh the financial implications against their ambitions for the upcoming campaign.

 

For now, both club and player seem aligned in their focus on preparing for a competitive season ahead—though it remains to be seen whether Forest will once again hold firm, or if one of the Premier League’s elite can make an offer too good to refuse.