Anthony Elanga Reacts to Wolves Approach as Newcastle Raise Bid to £55 Million

Anthony Elanga Caught in Transfer Crossfire as Newcastle and Wolves Circle

Premier League transfer sagas always seem to take on a life of their own, and this summer, Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga is finding that out firsthand. Newcastle United are back at Forest’s door, now with an improved £55 million offer for the Swedish international barely a month after Forest rejected their initial £45 million bid. As clubs circle, Elanga’s interactions with rival players have only fueled speculation further.

Last season, Elanga was more than just a creative spark for Forest. With six goals and 11 assists, he helped the team not only avoid relegation but rally to a seventh-place finish—good enough for a hard-earned spot in the Conference League. For a club that has spent recent years anxiously peering at the wrong end of the table, the turnaround under Steve Cooper has been impressive. But such success comes with its own set of headaches, especially when bigger clubs, flush with cash and ambition, come sniffing around for your top players.

Forest’s stance so far has been defiant. Rejecting Newcastle's lucrative opening offer sent a message: their resurgence isn’t up for sale. But with the number now up to £55 million, the pressure is mounting. In the background, Elanga’s own moves off the pitch are being closely watched. He recently replied—albeit briefly and in a pretty cryptic way—to a message from a Wolves player. Forest fans have been left trying to read the tea leaves, wondering if there’s more meaning behind the exchange or if it’s simply one player sending best wishes to another in a period of swirling uncertainty.

Wolves' Departures Add Fuel to Transfer Rumors

The tension is heightened by what’s going on elsewhere. Wolves, who finished down in mid-table last season while Forest hit unexpected highs, have already seen two key figures—Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri—leave for Manchester. Their departures show just how quickly a Premier League squad can be raided after a tough campaign. Forest don’t want to find themselves in a similar position and are working hard to project calm and control, knowing full well the value Elanga adds to the side both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

It’s no secret players talk during the summer window, with texts, DMs, and emoji-filled Instagram reactions all fair game. But those private chats can spark major public interest. Fans and pundits alike now wonder: is Elanga edging towards a move—perhaps to Newcastle, perhaps somewhere else—or is he simply keeping his options open while enjoying some banter with rivals?

For now, Forest’s management insist their focus is staying competitive and building on their momentum. The transfer window, though, rarely allows for much rest. As Newcastle’s pursuit heats up and Wolves adjust to losing their own stars, the next move likely hinges as much on off-field negotiations as what happens in training over the next few weeks.

Elanga remains the player at the heart of the drama—admired at Forest, wanted by Newcastle, and apparently still on speaking terms with potential rivals. No one said Premier League summers were boring.