EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle United Launch £40m Bid for Anthony Elanga, but Nottingham Forest Demand More
Newcastle United have stepped up their pursuit of attacking reinforcements with an ambitious £40 million bid for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga—an offer that has ultimately been turned down, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal.
As the Magpies prepare for a busy summer transfer window, manager Eddie Howe appears to have made adding a dynamic wide player a top priority. Despite a strong campaign from Jacob Murphy on the right flank last season, questions remain about his long-term suitability as a first-choice winger. Murphy, now in his early thirties, exceeded expectations with several standout performances, but his form was a clear outlier compared to previous seasons. With age no longer on his side, Newcastle are seemingly keen to invest in a younger, high-potential player to lock down the right-hand side for years to come.
Although the squad also boasts the talents of Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon, both are naturally left-sided attackers, limiting Howe’s tactical flexibility on the opposite wing. This has led the club to identify Elanga, a player known for his blistering pace and versatility, as a prime candidate to strengthen the forward line.
Forest Turn Down £40m Offer, Demand Closer to £50m
Vidal reports that Newcastle have tabled an opening offer worth £40 million for the Swedish international, but Forest are holding firm in their valuation. The East Midlands club are reportedly seeking a fee in the region of £50 million to even consider parting ways with one of their most exciting young stars. Despite the rejection, Elanga is said to be keen on the switch to St James’ Park, viewing the potential move as a significant step forward in his career.
The 22-year-old, who burst onto the Premier League scene with Manchester United before sealing a move to Forest, has quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying attackers in the league. Known for his lightning acceleration and agility, Elanga has drawn comparisons to Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele—a player similarly renowned for his pace and unpredictability in one-on-one situations.
Tactical Fit and Transfer Implications
Elanga’s ability to operate across all three attacking positions makes him an appealing option for Howe, who places a strong emphasis on fluidity and rapid transitions. Newcastle’s high-intensity, counter-attacking style could be a perfect match for Elanga’s strengths, particularly given the club’s desire to become more clinical in attacking phases.
The move also comes at an interesting time for Newcastle, with reports surfacing that star winger Anthony Gordon is attracting serious interest from Liverpool. The England international is believed to be intrigued by the prospect of a return to Merseyside, and if a deal were to materialize, it could leave a significant void in Newcastle’s attacking setup. Elanga’s signing, therefore, could serve not only to provide depth and pace but potentially as a direct replacement should Gordon opt to move on.
What Next for Newcastle?
Having already demonstrated their willingness to spend big this summer, Newcastle are expected to return with an improved offer for Elanga. Negotiations could continue in the coming days, with the player’s own interest in the move likely to play a crucial role in shaping the final outcome.
For Forest, holding out for a higher fee is a calculated decision. The club are under no immediate pressure to sell and recognize the value of a player who not only brings speed and flair but also has room to grow into a top-level Premier League star.
Whether or not the Magpies meet Forest’s valuation remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that Anthony Elanga has emerged as one of Newcastle’s primary targets as they aim to build a squad capable of challenging for European football once again next season.