Aston Villa eye transfer hijack that would break Newcastle United as formal bid submitted
Newcastle United Closing in on Anthony Elanga as Aston Villa Circle
Newcastle United have once again turned their attention to Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, making the 23-year-old Sweden international one of their top priorities in this summer’s transfer window. The Magpies previously attempted to sign Elanga last year without success, but they are now pushing harder than ever to get their man.
After seeing an initial £45 million bid rejected by Forest last month, Newcastle returned with an improved offer worth £55 million. That revised proposal is believed to have brought both clubs significantly closer to reaching a final agreement. While personal terms between Elanga and Newcastle are reportedly not a stumbling block, the deal has yet to be fully finalized and signed off — leaving a narrow window for potential rivals to intervene.
Aston Villa Enter the Race
According to Mail Online, Newcastle are edging towards a breakthrough in talks with Forest, but Aston Villa have recently emerged as a possible contender for Elanga’s signature. The West Midlands club, who are also in the market for wide attacking reinforcements, are closely monitoring the situation and are said to be admirers of the dynamic winger.
Elanga enjoyed a productive campaign with Forest last season, recording six goals and 12 assists across all competitions. His blend of pace, directness, and creativity has attracted growing interest across the Premier League, and Villa view him as a player who could elevate their attacking options.
However, Newcastle are determined not to let this deal slip through their fingers. The club have already endured a frustrating summer on the transfer front, having failed to secure targets such as striker Liam Delap and forward Joao Pedro. Both players were engaged in preliminary talks with Newcastle but ultimately chose to sign for Chelsea instead.
Delap was reportedly swayed by the greater likelihood of regular starts at Stamford Bridge, a guarantee Newcastle couldn’t provide given Alexander Isak’s established role up front. Meanwhile, Joao Pedro kept his options open but was known to prefer a move to London if possible.
Newcastle Can’t Afford to Miss Out Again
Losing out on Elanga—especially after tracking the player for over 12 months—would represent a serious blow to Eddie Howe and the club’s recruitment team. That said, Newcastle believe they are in a strong position this time around and remain optimistic about finalizing the transfer.
Despite Villa’s late interest, Newcastle enjoy several key advantages in the race for Elanga. One of the biggest incentives is their participation in next season’s UEFA Champions League, a competition that offers both prestige and a platform for further development. For a young player like Elanga, the opportunity to play on Europe’s biggest stage is a compelling draw.
Moreover, Elanga is already well-acquainted with several members of the Newcastle squad. He maintains a good relationship with Swedish compatriots Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth, and is also said to be friendly with William Osula. On social media, he has interacted regularly with players like Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman, suggesting a sense of camaraderie already exists.
While a potential move to Aston Villa would allow Elanga to stay geographically close to Nottingham — just about an hour’s drive to Birmingham — the emotional and professional appeal of joining a high-profile, Champions League-bound club like Newcastle may outweigh those factors.
How Would Elanga Fit In?
Elanga’s arrival would fill a critical need at Newcastle. Since the January departure of Miguel Almirón, the right-wing position has become a problem area, with Jacob Murphy currently the only recognized senior option in that role. Bringing in Elanga would not only provide much-needed depth but also raise the level of competition in the squad.
Given his age, versatility, and upward trajectory, Elanga would be seen as a long-term solution and a potential starter capable of making an immediate impact. With the added workload of European fixtures, Howe is expected to rotate his lineup more frequently in the coming season — a luxury he didn’t have last year, when injuries mounted and exposed the club’s thin depth in several areas.
Pre-Season Begins as Transfer Deadline Looms
Newcastle’s first-team squad is set to return to pre-season training on Monday, and the coaching staff is hopeful that Elanga will be able to join them as soon as possible. Their first friendly match of the summer will take place on July 19, when they travel to Celtic Park to face Scottish giants Celtic in what should be a competitive early test.
As the transfer window progresses, Newcastle will be looking to build on what they hope will be the successful capture of Elanga, a player they believe can help them maintain domestic competitiveness and make a statement in Europe.
For now, fans wait eagerly for official confirmation. But behind the scenes, the club remains locked in talks, determined not to lose another target — especially one they’ve coveted for more than a year.