Offer accepted for Anthony Elanga and Giorgio Scalvini now priority Newcastle signing – The Times
Newcastle United Make Major Strides in Transfer Market with Elanga Deal Accepted and Scalvini Now a Top Target
Newcastle United appear to be gaining significant momentum in the summer transfer market, with several deals now progressing quickly after a relatively quiet start to the window.
According to an exclusive report by The Times, the Magpies have had a £55 million bid accepted by Nottingham Forest for Swedish winger Anthony Elanga. The 22-year-old, who enjoyed a breakout season at the City Ground, is expected to become a key addition to Eddie Howe’s attacking options as the club seeks to bolster its squad ahead of a demanding 2025/26 campaign.
In addition to Elanga, Newcastle are growing increasingly confident of finalising a deal for long-term goalkeeping target James Trafford. The Burnley shot-stopper, valued at around £30 million, has been on Howe’s radar for over a year, and talks are said to be progressing well. Should an agreement be reached, Trafford could provide vital competition in goal and represent a long-term solution between the sticks for Newcastle.
With pre-season training about to intensify and the first friendly fixture—against Celtic—just two weeks away, securing these signings swiftly would be a significant boost for Howe, who is keen to integrate his new arrivals as early as possible.
But the Magpies aren’t stopping there.
The Times also reveals that Eddie Howe has identified another priority signing: Italian centre-back Giorgio Scalvini. The 21-year-old Atalanta star is now considered Newcastle’s top defensive target, with the club hopeful of securing a deal in the region of £30 million.
Scalvini is highly regarded in Italian football, having broken into the Atalanta first team at just 17. By 18, he had already earned his first senior cap for Italy. Standing at 6ft 4in, Scalvini offers both physical presence and composure on the ball—attributes that align perfectly with Howe’s preferred profile for a modern centre-back.
However, the past year has been a frustrating one for Scalvini, as injuries have hindered his progress. An ACL injury suffered in the final game of the 2023/24 season was followed by a separate shoulder issue, limiting him to just six Serie A appearances during the 2024/25 campaign. Despite this, Newcastle remain undeterred by his injury history, believing the young defender has the quality and resilience to return to top form.
The Magpies view Scalvini as not just a future star but someone who can also contribute immediately, assuming his recovery continues as expected. Comparisons are already being drawn between Scalvini and Sven Botman, another young defender Newcastle secured who had already achieved notable success abroad—Botman famously won Ligue 1 with Lille before joining the Premier League side.
A potential Scalvini-Botman partnership in central defence, if both can remain fit, could be the foundation of Newcastle’s back line for years to come.
As the summer window begins to heat up following the start of July—often regarded as the true launch of the transfer season—clubs are now more willing to negotiate and conclude deals. Newcastle look to be taking full advantage of this shift, aggressively pursuing key targets to reinforce their squad.
With major signings like Elanga potentially imminent and positive developments on Trafford and Scalvini, Newcastle United may finally be hitting their stride in the transfer market—a timely boost for Eddie Howe as he prepares his team for a pivotal campaign both domestically and in Europe.