Newcastle submit £40m offer to sign ‘lightning-quick’ star compared to Dembele, he wants move

Newcastle United’s efforts to strengthen their attacking options have hit a bump, with the club reportedly seeing a £40 million bid turned down for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, the Magpies made an opening offer for the Swedish international, but Forest are holding out for a fee closer to £50 million before agreeing to part ways with one of their prized assets.

Eddie Howe appears to be prioritising the addition of a new winger during this summer’s transfer window, as he looks to fine-tune his squad ahead of the new season. Despite Jacob Murphy delivering an impressive campaign on the right flank last term, many believe his form was something of an outlier when compared to his previous performances. At 30 years old, Murphy is also entering the twilight of his career, making the need for a younger, long-term option even more urgent for Howe.

Currently, Newcastle have Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon who can operate out wide, but both are naturally more effective when deployed on the left-hand side. That leaves a gap on the right, one that Elanga could fill with his blistering pace, versatility, and high ceiling. The 22-year-old Swedish international has been likened to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé by Opta Analyst, thanks to his rapid acceleration and ability to play across the front line.

Elanga’s versatility could prove a huge asset for Howe, as he is comfortable operating on either wing or even through the middle. His pace would add another dimension to Newcastle’s attacking transitions, an area where the Magpies are already known to be lethal. His ability to stretch defences and exploit space could make him a real threat in the Premier League under Howe’s system.

While Elanga is keen on the move to St James’ Park, Nottingham Forest are determined to stand firm on their valuation, especially after his strong season in the top flight. Forest know they have a valuable asset on their hands, and in today’s market, £50 million for a young, proven Premier League winger with room to grow is not an outrageous demand.

Interestingly, Newcastle’s pursuit of Elanga may also hint at possible changes within their current squad. Anthony Gordon, one of Howe’s key attacking outlets, has been heavily linked with a transfer to Liverpool. Reports over the weekend have suggested that the England international is eager to make the switch to Anfield, which could explain Newcastle’s urgency in securing a replacement ahead of time.

Should Gordon depart, it would leave a significant void in Newcastle’s frontline—one Elanga is seemingly being lined up to fill. His Premier League experience, international pedigree, and ability to thrive in a high-intensity system make him an ideal candidate to slot seamlessly into Howe’s setup.

As it stands, negotiations are expected to continue between Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. The Magpies may return with an improved offer in the coming days as they look to secure a dynamic, long-term solution for their right-wing position. With Anthony Elanga eager to make the move, and Newcastle determined to bolster their squad, this is a transfer saga worth keeping a close eye on as the summer window heats up.