Anthony Elanga is emerging as Newcastle United’s top transfer target this summer.
That honour had belonged to Bryan Mbeumo, but he proved to be too expensive. Newcastle then moved on to Joao Pedro, but he is on his way to Chelsea.
All the while, Newcastle United have remained interested in Anthony Elanga. A £45million bid was submitted for the winger, but Geordie Boot Boys understand that Forest want £60million for Elanga.
They are determined to keep the Sweden international, with the Magpies needing to up their offer by £15million to strike a deal.
Anthony Elanga runs with the ball during Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea in the Premier League.
Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Anthony Elanga predicted to join Newcastle United
Given Newcastle United’s recent record when it comes to negotiating deals, a gap of £15million sounds like a lot.
However, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie is of the belief that Elanga will become a Newcastle United player this summer.
Downie has spoken about the 23-year-old on his YouTube channel, stating that he has been told that the player is interested in a move to St James’ Park.
“All the noises are that Anthony Elanga is the number one choice,” he said.
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“It was Bryan Mbeumo, but now it has been moved to Elanga. I can see Elanga being perfect for Eddie Howe’s style.
“I feel like that deal will get done. Newcastle are not in competition with anyone. They know that they are close in terms of the fee. I think the player would be happy to move here, from what I am being told. It’s a case of Newcastle coming up with a number.”
Why Newcastle United must be willing to break the bank for Anthony Elanga
While Newcastle United will not want to pay the full £60million, there must be belief that a compromise can be reached. It is going to take more than £50million to sign Elanga, which would make him one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever.
Signing Elanga would be a serious investment from PIF, but he is clearly a player who Eddie Howe has complete confidence in. After all, he has been a Toon transfer target for the past 12 months.
Newcastle tried to include Elanga in the Elliot Anderson deal last year, only for Forest to say no. Instead, they were forced to sign Odysseas Vlachodimos for £20million to appease Forest’s PSR position and satisfy their own.
Two months later, Newcastle tried to sign Elanga again. They made a move for him on deadline day, only for Forest to say no again.
Now he is back on the club’s radar in 2025, epitomising Howe’s determination to get his man. There must be a lot of internal belief that Elanga can thrive in black and white, and he certainly looks suited to Howe’s system given his pace and ability to create chances.
However, that theory will only be put to the test if Newcastle United increase their offer to a point that Nottingham Forest finally say yes.