7 hours ago
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Reported €63.8m bid
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Newcastle United may just be plotting one of the most eye-catching attacking upgrades in the Premier League this summer - and he's a former Manchester United prodigy. According to reports, the Magpies are closing in on a move for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, whose electric pace and direct style have caught the attention of Eddie Howe’s recruitment team. Last month, Newcastle had a bid of around €52m rejected, but have now come back with an offer in the region of €64m, which they are expecting to get the green light.
Still just 23 years old, Elanga enjoyed a breakout campaign at the City Ground, and a move to St James’ Park could see him complete what might become one of the most devastating front threes in the Premier League. Alongside Swedish goal machine Alexander Isak and the ever-improving Anthony Gordon, Elanga could help form a energy-packed, hard-pressing, and creatively explosive forward line - one capable of terrorising any defence in England or Europe. Transfermarkt takes a closer look at the potential transfer and how Newcastle’s front three could take flight in 2024/25.
What could Anthony Elanga bring to Newcastle?
Only Mohamed Salah and Newcastle's Jacob Murphy registered more assists in the Premier League than Elanga last season. He was a creative force for Forest. The Swede formed a deadly partnership with Chris Wood, and will be hoping to do the same with his compatriot Isak should he complete a move to St James' Park. Not only will Elanga bring creativity, but he will also bring an abundance of running power and pace - something integral to Newcastle's system under Howe. Elanga is rapid and doesn't stop running.
As illustrated in the graphic above, according to a study by the Premier League, no player sprinted for a higher proportion of their time on the pitch than Elanga last season (1.17%). Interestingly, second on that list is Newcastle's left-winger Gordon (1.10%) highlighting how dynamic the Magpies potential front three could be next season. Not only will this help Howe's team play passes in behind and utilise their wingers pace, but it will also aid the team in pressing from the front. Gordon and Elanga have the energy to get back and cover their full-backs too.
Add to that, the incredible talent of Isak through the middle and Newcastle would boast a fearsome front three. Perfectly suited to Howe's playing style. The perfect balance between industry and talent. Between Elanga (€42m), Gordon (€65m) and Isak (€120m), the trio boast a combined market value €227 million. All three players are aged 25 or younger. Only Manchester City (€380m) and Arsenal (€270m) can lay claim to a more valuable attacking trident. With Champions League commitments back in the north East next season, Newcastle need to bolster their squad this summer, and in signing Elanga they could be adding a new dimension to their attack.
