Nottingham Forest ‘agree’ double transfer swoop as Newcastle United given Elanga ‘hope’

Nottingham Forest’s ambitious double swoop for Juventus attackers Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula has handed Newcastle United a potential boost in their long-standing pursuit of Anthony Elanga.

The Swedish international remains high on Eddie Howe’s summer wishlist as the Magpies look to add proven Premier League quality to their right flank, with Forest’s incoming business potentially softening their stance on selling one of last season’s standout performers.

Newcastle’s interest in Elanga spans back to last summer’s chaotic transfer window, when the winger was briefly discussed as part of the Elliot Anderson deal that ultimately saw Odysseas Vlachodimos move to the City Ground.

A late January approach failed to materialize, but the Magpies have maintained dialogue with Forest officials regarding the 22-year-old’s availability.

Elanga’s impressive campaign – featuring six goals and eleven assists across all competitions – played a significant role in Forest’s seventh-place finish and subsequent Europa Conference League qualification, making him one of the division’s most productive wide men.

Forest’s impending acquisitions from Juventus could prove pivotal in negotiations. The proposed double deal for Weah and Mbangula, both capable of operating in Elanga’s preferred right-wing position, suggests manager Nuno Espírito Santo is preparing contingency plans should their star attacker depart.

Weah’s versatility as both a winger and auxiliary fullback particularly mirrors Elanga’s skill set, while Mbangula offers similar directness and pace on the flank.

This strategic recruitment indicates Forest are building depth to cope with European commitments while potentially softening their resistance to Elanga’s exit.

However, Newcastle face significant financial hurdles with Forest valuing their prized asset at £60 million – a figure reflecting his importance to the team and remaining contract length.

Elanga’s consistent availability last term, featuring in all 38 Premier League matches, only enhances his value to both clubs. For Newcastle, the Swede represents an ideal rotational option capable of pushing Jacob Murphy for starting minutes while providing the work rate and defensive diligence Howe demands from his wide players.

Elanga himself has remained diplomatically non-committal when questioned about transfer speculation. During recent Sweden national team duty, he acknowledged the rumors while reaffirming his focus on controllable factors:

“There is always talk in football. My priority remains performing on the pitch.” The winger previously revealed conversations with Newcastle striker and international teammate Alexander Isak about the Magpies’ interest, though he emphasized his contentment at Forest despite admiring the Tyneside project.

Newcastle’s recruitment team must now weigh whether to test Forest’s resolve with a formal bid. The potential domino effect of Forest’s Juventus deals could create negotiating leverage, but the Magpies remain cautious about overpaying in a market where Financial Fair Play considerations remain paramount.

Alternative options including Chelsea’s Noni Madueke and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško are understood to be under consideration should Elanga prove unattainable.

For Forest, balancing squad evolution with financial pragmatism presents its own challenges. While European football increases revenue streams, the club must carefully manage resources to avoid past Profitability and Sustainability Regulation breaches.

A substantial fee for Elanga could fund further reinforcements across multiple positions, making a sale increasingly logical if replacements are secured early.

As preseason preparations intensify, this transfer saga represents a fascinating clash of ambitions between two upwardly-mobile Premier League clubs. Newcastle seek proven quality to supplement their top-six push, while Forest aim to consolidate their progress without sacrificing key assets.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Forest’s Juventus double deal truly opens the door for Elanga’s departure, or if Newcastle must look elsewhere to solve their right-wing requirements.

One certainty remains – in a summer where homegrown talent carries premium value, Elanga’s combination of youth, productivity and Premier League experience makes him one of the window’s most coveted attacking commodities.

Whether he dons black-and-white or continues in Forest’s garibaldi red may ultimately depend on how both clubs navigate the complex interplay of ambition, finance and squad planning in modern football’s high-stakes transfer market.