Offer accepted for Anthony Elanga and Giorgio Scalvini now priority Newcastle signing

Newcastle United have made significant strides in the transfer market, with their £55 million bid for Anthony Elanga now accepted by Nottingham Forest, according to a report from The Times.

This development marks a major breakthrough for Eddie Howe’s plans, as the club looks to reinforce key areas ahead of the new campaign. Alongside the Elanga deal, negotiations with Burnley for goalkeeper James Trafford have accelerated, and Newcastle are reportedly optimistic that a fee close to £30 million will be agreed soon.

These two signings represent the culmination of months of scouting and strategy, with both players identified early as top priorities for this summer’s recruitment drive.

Pre-season is rapidly approaching, with the team’s first friendly against Celtic just two weeks away. For Howe, securing transfers before the bulk of training begins is crucial.

The integration of new faces during pre-season gives them time to adapt to his system and philosophy, and the sooner these deals are concluded, the better prepared the squad will be for the challenges ahead.

Elanga brings pace, directness, and proven Premier League experience, while Trafford offers long-term potential and immediate competition for the number one goalkeeper spot.

However, Elanga and Trafford may not be the only significant additions on Tyneside. According to The Times, Giorgio Scalvini has now emerged as Newcastle’s main defensive target.

The 21-year-old Italian centre-back has long been regarded as one of the most promising talents in Serie A, and his profile aligns perfectly with Howe’s vision for building a young, dynamic team.

Standing at 6’4”, Scalvini offers physical presence and composure on the ball—attributes that would complement Sven Botman at the heart of Newcastle’s defence.

Scalvini made his debut for Atalanta at just 17 and earned his first cap for Italy a year later. Over two seasons, he established himself as a first-choice centre-back before injuries disrupted his progress.

An ACL injury sustained at the end of the 2023/24 season, followed by a shoulder issue during the recovery period, limited him to just six Serie A appearances last season.

Despite these setbacks, his early achievements at both club and international level speak volumes about his talent and potential.

Newcastle view Scalvini not just as a short-term fix, but as a central figure in their long-term defensive structure.

A proposed fee of around £30 million is under discussion, and it’s clear the Magpies are prepared to invest heavily in youth with the expectation of long-term returns.

The thought of Scalvini partnering Botman—another young defender who excelled early in his career and helped Lille to a Ligue 1 title—has understandably sparked excitement among the Newcastle fanbase. Injuries permitting, the duo could form one of the most formidable defensive pairings in the Premier League for years to come.

The July transfer window always brings a shift in tempo. Clubs begin to finalise their squads, evaluate their spending capacity, and engage in more serious negotiations.

As teams offload surplus players and pursue new targets, the window of opportunity opens for compromise and agreement. Newcastle, backed by the financial muscle of PIF, appear ready to seize that moment, especially after earlier disappointments in their pursuit of players like Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo.

Those misses, while frustrating, have only sharpened the club’s focus on executing their Plan B with precision and intent.

Securing Elanga, Trafford, and Scalvini would represent a major statement of ambition. It would not only address immediate needs across the pitch but also reinforce the long-term project Howe and the board are building.

These are not just stopgap solutions—they are carefully chosen, high-upside investments in youth, ability, and attitude. The club’s clear commitment to developing a core of elite young talent reflects their evolving status among Europe’s elite.

With the transfer window gaining momentum and Newcastle finally getting deals over the line, optimism is once again flowing at St James’ Park.

The vision of a stronger, faster, more balanced squad is beginning to take shape—and with it, a belief that the coming season could bring the Magpies even closer to silverware and sustained success.