Newcastle have huge ambitions for their summer of recruitment and are currently on the hunt for new additions that can assist in their Champions League campaign next season.
The Magpies completed one of their most successful seasons in decades, but Eddie Howe will not be content with just settling for what they have already achieved and will be determined to take his team to the next level.
A second stint in the Champions League since the Saudi-led takeover presents an opportunity for Howe and his squad to see if they are capable of excelling in the competition, as Aston Villa did last season.
Adding their European fixtures to their already congested schedule will influence a greater urgency for adding to the depth of the squad this summer, ensuring they can compete comfortably across all competitions to maintain the high standards they have set.
Following the sale of Miguel Almiron in January, Newcastle have been in desperate need of another right winger to compete with Jacob Murphy in the attacking threat.
It was reported last week that the North East giants have reignited their interest in Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, after having a £50m bid for the talented player rejected on Deadline Day last summer.
Now TEAMtalk are reporting that Newcastle are confident they can secure a deal for Elanga for just £55m, despite Forest setting an asking price of £65m.
The publication claims that the forward is keen to join the project under Howe and fulfilling his dream of playing Champions League football, with the club thought to have held multiple meetings with the player’s representatives over the last week.
Will Newcastle sign Anthony Elanga?
If the Magpies were to agree a deal for £55m for Elanga it would be their joint-second highest transfer matching the fee for Sandro Tonali, with his compatriot Alexander Isak still the most expensive signing at £63m.
There is no doubt that Elanga would be worth every penny if he could bring his outstanding energy and pace to the Newcastle attacking threat next season, and would be able to bring his international partnership with Isak to club level.
That connection with his Swedish teammate would an invaluable asset to the Geordies and would provide Howe with a ready-made solution on the right flank, with an already solid understanding of how to well assist the striker.
Indeed, it is unlikely that Nottingham Forest won’t put up a fight for the former Manchester United youth prospect, who was signed for just £15m back in 2023, as he has been instrumental in their recent surge up the Premier League table.
However, the 23-year-old has recently spoken out about the interest surrounding him this summer, but refused to rule out a move away from the City Ground.
On June 7th, the winger spoke to Fotbollskanalen following Sweden’s 2-0 victory over Hungary:
“There is a lot of talk. I focus on what I can do and my focus today was on the match.
“In football there are always rumours. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.”
With all considered, it would be a no-brainer for Newcastle to complete a deal for Elanga this summer and would be a testament to their huge ambitions ahead of next season.
