Newcastle set to bid £50m for “electric” Elanga alternative, he’d be the next Ben Arfa
Newcastle United Gear Up for a High-Stakes Summer Transfer Window
Newcastle United are preparing for what promises to be a pivotal and action-packed summer transfer window, as they look to reinforce their squad in anticipation of a long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League. Following a mixed domestic season and memories still fresh of the injury-plagued campaign that derailed their last European adventure, Eddie Howe and his recruitment team are determined to ensure the club is better equipped this time around.
New No.1 Incoming at St James’ Park?
One of the club’s first major moves this window looks set to be the arrival of James Trafford from Burnley. The 21-year-old goalkeeper is reportedly on the verge of sealing a £40 million switch to Tyneside, with the expectation that he could take over the gloves from Nick Pope, who has been a key figure but struggled with injuries last season. Trafford’s potential signing would mark a significant statement of intent and could signal the start of a busy summer overhaul.
Focus Shifts to the Attack – Right-Winger Wanted
But while the goalkeeping department appears close to resolution, attention has swiftly turned to the frontline, particularly the right-wing position—an area Newcastle have long sought to upgrade.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Magpies recently saw a £45 million offer turned down by Nottingham Forest for Swedish winger Anthony Elanga. The 22-year-old, who had a strong 2024/25 campaign after his move from Manchester United, is highly valued by Forest, with club owner Evangelos Marinakis unwilling to consider such a deal. Interestingly, Daniel Storey revealed on the Totally Football Show that Newcastle actually offered £50 million for Elanga last summer—a bid that was similarly rebuffed—highlighting how highly the winger is rated by both clubs.
Marinakis reportedly sees Elanga as a proven, youthful asset with high potential, and believes his value is closer to £60 million, making any deal with Newcastle a difficult one to pull off.
Plan B: Kudus to the Rescue?
With a move for Elanga hanging in the balance, Newcastle appear ready to turn their attention toward an exciting alternative: Mohammed Kudus. The West Ham United winger, who enjoyed a standout season under David Moyes, is now firmly on Newcastle’s radar. Steve Kay of Football Transfers reports that the Magpies are preparing a fresh bid in the region of £50 million, with Eddie Howe identifying the Ghanaian international as a ‘key target’, especially amid uncertainty surrounding his future in East London.
According to Jacob Steinberg and Will Unwin of The Guardian, Kudus has an £85 million release clause embedded in his West Ham contract. However, financial constraints linked to Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) might force the Hammers to consider offers below that figure. A fee closer to £60 million may be enough to tempt them into doing business. Newcastle won’t have a free run, though—Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly monitoring Kudus closely.
Kudus: A Talent Built for Tyneside?
Since arriving at West Ham from Ajax in a £37 million deal two summers ago, Mohammed Kudus has made a major impact in the Premier League. The 23-year-old has scored 19 goals and registered 13 assists in 80 appearances across all competitions, quickly becoming one of the league’s most entertaining attacking midfielders.
His dynamic style of play and flair have won over fans and pundits alike. Speaking on his talents, Dan Woffenden described Kudus as “electric,” while Ben Mattinson of Breaking the Lines praised his “explosive, skilful” nature, adding that his “burst of acceleration” and “direct dribbling” make him one of the most exciting wingers in England.
Similarly, Adam Scully of Total Football Analysis pinpointed Kudus’ dribbling ability as his standout trait, calling it “sumptuous,” and noting his exceptional balance and low centre of gravity—key components in his one-on-one dominance.
Statistically, the Ghanaian’s prowess is backed up by data. In both of his Premier League seasons, Kudus has ranked among the league leaders for attempted take-ons, rubbing shoulders with elite dribblers like Jérémy Doku, Eberechi Eze, and Matheus Cunha. His slaloming solo goal against Freiburg in the Europa League turned heads and drew comparisons to one of Newcastle’s cult icons.
A Modern-Day Ben Arfa?
Kudus’ unpredictability and raw talent evoke memories of Hatem Ben Arfa, who dazzled the Toon Army between 2010 and 2015. Though he only scored 14 goals in 86 appearances, Ben Arfa’s magic moments—most notably his sensational solo goal against Bolton Wanderers in 2012—made him a fan favourite on Tyneside.
Louise Taylor of The Guardian praised Ben Arfa’s “exquisite touch, superior vision, perfect balance and elusive movement,” while Jean-Baptiste Caillet of Opta went as far as to dub him “France’s best dribbler since Zidane.” Such was the Frenchman’s raw talent that Peter McVitie of Goal said he will always be remembered for his “awesome displays of skill and dazzling firepower.”
Kudus and Ben Arfa share more than just flair—they are both left-footed attackers who can operate across the front line or through the centre, with a tendency to drift infield and make things happen. They’re the kind of players who excite crowds, make defenders nervous, and offer a spark when games stagnate.
Final Thoughts: Kudus Worth the Gamble
With Newcastle’s bid for Anthony Elanga seemingly dead in the water, Mohammed Kudus may represent a better—and potentially more explosive—option. While consistency remains an area for growth, the Ghanaian’s high ceiling and current form make him a tantalising prospect.
In a side that often thrives on intensity and directness, Kudus could provide the spark that elevates Eddie Howe’s men in both the Premier League and Europe. If the Magpies are serious about challenging on multiple fronts, this is the type of marquee signing that would signal their ambition—and get the fans at St James’ Park off their seats.