Edu Gaspar’s first task at Nottingham Forest will be to help find a replacement for Anthony Elanga. He may have already scouted the perfect option while at Arsenal, though.
Edu’s role at Forest was confirmed after months of hinting and speculation, arriving as the club’s new Global Head of Football to work closely alongside Evangelos Marinakis.
The Brazilian is joining at a crucial moment so early in the transfer window, as Anthony Elanga is set to join Newcastle United. Therefore, Edu will need to settle in quickly to support the recruitment staff in finding a capable replacement.
Having spent time at Arsenal, Edu will come with Premier League quality targets in mind, including one that has all the attributes to be the perfect Elanga replacement.
Nottingham Forest technical director Edu
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Edu tried to sign the perfect Anthony Elanga replacement for Arsenal
Forest fans have mixed feelings about selling Elanga, with his quality hard to replace but the £55m fee represents a significant profit on the initial fee paid to Manchester United.
As long as the replacement has the ability to match Elanga’s impressive output, then the fanbase will be aligned. One player who already looks to fit the bill is Johan Bakayoko. Forest have shown interest in Bakayoko from PSV, someone Edu also has a history with.
In June 2024, Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink reported on X that: “Arsenal have inquired about PSV attacker Johan Bakayoko.” Elfrink continued to explain that the presence of Bukayo Saka would mean that it may not be the best move for the Belgian.”
Elanga’s exit would mean that this wouldn’t be an issue should Forest make a move for Bakayoko this summer, giving Edu the chance to sign a player whom he has long admired. It’s a brilliant time to make a move for Bakayoko, too, given his current contract situation.
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Nuno Espírito Santo wants at least two wingers this summer so perhaps not all of the Elanga fee will be able to go on a single replacement.
This is no issue when targeting Bakayoko, though as according to Eindhovens Dagblad, the 22-year-old is available for a remarkably low fee due to his soon-to-expire contract.
The report said: “PSV would like to sell him, given the short remaining contract period. The club management realizes that it is impossible to ask the top price for him and will undoubtedly be satisfied with a generous 20 million euros due to the one-year contract.”
At £17m, Bakayoko will surely attract plenty of suitors this summer so if Forest and Edu want their man, they need to strike quickly, knowing that the Belgian has all the attributes to replace Elanga in Espírito Santo’s squad.