Newcastle United green light striker signing as Aston Villa star targeted

Newcastle United are intensifying their activity in the summer transfer market as they reshape their squad with key arrivals and notable departures.

With plans already in motion, the club continues to make significant moves that reflect its ambitions to compete on multiple fronts in the coming season.

One of the most high-profile additions on the horizon is the £55 million signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. The Swedish winger arrived on Tyneside earlier this week to undergo his medical, with the final steps of the deal nearing completion.

Elanga’s pace, directness, and ability to create opportunities in the final third are seen as key attributes that will enhance Newcastle’s attacking threat, particularly with Champions League football ahead.

Alongside Elanga, the club is also negotiating with Burnley to bring in goalkeeper James Trafford, while the search for a new centre-back continues.

Newcastle are keen to reinforce their defensive depth after an injury-plagued campaign, and bringing in fresh talent at the back remains a priority for Eddie Howe’s recruitment team.

While incoming transfers are grabbing headlines, departures are also shaping the squad’s future. Callum Wilson has officially left the club following the expiration of his contract, bringing an end to a five-year spell in which he scored 49 goals in 130 appearances.

Wilson’s influence extended beyond the pitch; he was a respected member of the leadership group and played a vital role in Newcastle’s recent resurgence. His absence leaves a void not only in terms of experience but also as a seasoned goal threat when fit.

Wilson’s departure has accelerated the club’s push to sign a new striker, but filling that role has proved complicated. The club must now convince any new arrival to play second fiddle to Alexander Isak, who remains the undisputed first-choice forward.

That dynamic made it difficult to attract Liam Delap, who chose Chelsea instead. Similarly, Joao Pedro from Brighton was on Newcastle’s radar as a more versatile attacking option, but he too opted for a move to Stamford Bridge.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, recently released by Everton, remains a free agent and was once closely linked with a move to Newcastle.

However, the club’s interest in the striker appears to have cooled, though he remains on the radar as a potential fallback option. Internally, discussions have also taken place about Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, both of whom would bring quality and experience, but their high valuation and age profiles may not align with Newcastle’s long-term recruitment strategy.

In the meantime, Newcastle have 21-year-old William Osula as a back-up striker option. Despite flashes of promise, Osula didn’t start a single Premier League game in his debut season, and the coaching staff would prefer a more experienced forward to offer genuine competition and support for Isak.

Anthony Gordon has occasionally filled in as a striker, though his strengths are best utilized on the left wing. Joelinton has also been deployed up front in the past, but with mixed results and less effectiveness in that role.

Sky Sports have emphasized that signing a striker is now a top priority for Newcastle following the Elanga deal. The leadership team knows the importance of depth in such a critical position, especially after losing a player like Wilson, who offered reliability, leadership, and occasional flashes of brilliance when fully fit.

Wilson, in a heartfelt farewell message to fans, expressed his gratitude for his time on Tyneside, highlighting the unforgettable moments he experienced in black and white.

He paid tribute to the club and its supporters, calling his time at Newcastle “unbelievable” and expressing pride in wearing the iconic number 9 shirt. Scoring at the Gallowgate End, he said, was as special as everyone claimed.

Though his journey with the Magpies has ended, he made it clear that Newcastle will always hold a special place in his and his family’s hearts.

Wilson reportedly turned down a pay-as-you-play deal from Newcastle, as he aims to secure regular first-team football elsewhere.

Burnley and Leeds United, both newly promoted, have shown interest, while Everton, West Ham, and even Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for the nine-time England international.

As the transfer window continues, Newcastle’s strategy remains clear: combine smart investment with a long-term vision, bolstering key areas while maintaining balance and cohesion within the squad.

With Champions League commitments and a return to Premier League contention in their sights, Eddie Howe and his team are making moves that reflect the magnitude of their goals.