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Tottenham Hotspur’s winless run at Stamford Bridge stretched to nine matches and Ange Postecoglou watched bitterly on as his side’s Premier League campaign sank further into the dredges.

It has been a frustrating season, a calamitous season, but hope remains. While Spurs are stuck in 14th, ten points behind tenth-place Bournemouth, who have lost four of their past five fixtures and yet are unassailably ahead, hope remains.

Tottenham face German side Eintracht Frankfurt over two legs in the Europa League quarter-finals, the first of which arrives this Thursday, and while the manager will hold on to confidence that his team can get the job done, this was a sour display, lacking the attacking fizz and vigour that ‘Angeball’ once blessed N17 crowds and television screens.

One player’s decline has been emblematic of his squad’s overall torpor. Heung-min Son has been a stalwart for Tottenham over the years, but he appears to be reaching the end of the road.

Heung-min Son's Spurs struggles

Could anything typify it more than that flash of promise in the closing stage? Brennan Johnson, fresh and off the bench, wooshed a lovely pass across the box, but the skipper could only reach it tamely to force a stretching save from Robert Sanchez.

Were this a younger iteration, he would have covered that extra yard, connected with more emphasis, saw the net bulge.

But Son, 33 this summer, lacks his one-time athleticism and was largely marshalled by Chelsea’s defence, failing to create a single key chance despite losing the ball ten times while also only winning one duel, as per Sofascore.

However, he needed his fellow players – the forwards in particular – to pull their weight too, and, frankly, Spurs failed to muster enough in west London, with the man in the middle anonymous through the majority of proceedings.

Son's not the only one fading away

Dominic Solanke has endured a frustrating season in the capital, transferring to Tottenham from Bournemouth in a deal worth £65m last summer.

After a bright start, he’s flaked away, with a knee injury picked up in the new year stifling the 27-year-old’s progress and reducing him to several disappointing recent performances.

However, with 11 goals and eight assists from just 25 starts in all competitions, there’s still hope that he can make the requisite adjustments to play a big part over the coming weeks.

That said, he was a “bystander” at Stamford Bridge, as was noted by Alan Smith on co-commentary.

Minutes played

88′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

21

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

6/10 (60%)

Key passes

0

Possession lost

11x

Dribbles

1/1

Duels (won)

8 (5)

Completing just six passes, failing to even attempt a shot on Sanchez’s goal, Solanke will be most frustrated, especially since he’s beginning to look like Postecoglou’s next version of James Maddison, whose nightmarish Lilywhites career has involved various setbacks after an electric start last season.

Maddison won the Premier League Player of the Month in August 2023 but has since endured a number of injuries and consequent sappings of form, leaving him scrambling for that one-time reputation as one of European football’s standout playmakers.

Both Englishmen have enough about them to make convincing returns to their apex, but if they aren’t on their A-game against Frankfurt this week, fan tensions might just boil over.

Solanke, at least, worked tirelessly, leaving football.london to award him with a 6/10 match rating, but he was toothless in the final third and needs to emit more of a talismanic aura in the coming weeks.

Son huffed and puffed to little avail too, but at least the aging captain found space to strike on goal, sought to create with one wicked low cross.

This drop, the latest drop, in form has not come at a great time for a Spurs side whose season hinges on triumph in the Europa League.

But hope remains. Son, Solanke, Maddison. All fading. Now, the big one is coming up, and they need to return to colour.

Amazing Maddison repeat: Spurs very keen to sign £60m PL "superstar"

The sensational international would be brilliant for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 3, 2025

Fulham could have to fork out one club’s record transfer sale to sign a “monster” defender this summer, with their manager personally making his demands clear behind-the-scenes.

Marco Silva previews Fulham clash with Liverpool

The Whites have an all-important, blockbuster clash to prepare for as Marco Silva’s side take on Premier League frontrunners Liverpool in their race for European qualification.

Club "moving" to sign "very important" Fulham star with unique offer planned

Marco Silva’s side could lose him.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 3, 2025

Liverpool have won their last four league games and have one hand on this year’s domestic crown. Arne Slot can take an almighty stride to confirming their status as champions of England against Fulham, but Silva will be equally determined to spoil the party with European football on the line.

Liverpool (home)

April 6th

Bournemouth (away)

April 14th

Chelsea (home)

April 20th

Southampton (away)

April 26th

Aston Villa (away)

May 3rd

Amid Tottenham’s interest in Silva to replace Ange Postecoglou, these last few games of the season could also serve as a Spurs audition for the 42-year-old if he’s open to that opportunity across London.

“It’s going to be a game that demands us to be close to perfection,” said Silva on Fulham’s clash with Liverpool.

“From our side, we need to fight really hard for the three points. We are in our own battle too. They want the three points to be closer to the title – we want our three points for our own battle.”

Silva adds that he’s expecting a response from his players after their last game, a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

“We share the good moments and the good vibes together,” said Silva.

“When you don’t achieve something important, like a football match we want to win, then you have to share the disappointment. But at the same time, we have to work quicker and prepare quicker for the next one – like we have done since the start of the season.”

Off the field, preparations for next season are already underway at Craven Cottage, with the west Londoners making transfer plans.

Fulham have made contact over signing Deportivo La Coruna sensation Yeremay Hernandez, according to TEAMtalk, and strengthening the wide area is seen as a key aim for the club.

Fulham told price for Elfsborg defender Terry Yegbe

Silva’s side also want to reinforce their defence, and have their keen eyes on Elfsborg defender Terry Yegbe.

The Ghana international was rumoured to command a price tag of £4.5 million, but according to news outlet Fotboll Direkt, the actual price for Yegbe stands at closer to £6 million.

While this wouldn’t exactly break the bank for a Premier League side like Fulham, it would apparently smash the record for most money paid for a centre-back from the Swedish Allsvenskan.

As per FD, Fulham are among the main contenders to sign Yegbe this summer, but the Elfsborg manager is personally demanding that a record sale figure of around £6 million to entertain letting the Ghanaian leave.

Yegbe, interestingly, carries a fearsome reputation in Scandanavia, having been called a “monster” defender.

“He is a monster on the field,” said former Elfsborg teammate Ahmed Qasem to Fotbollskanalen’s deadline day broadcast.

“He is too fast, strong and good with his feet. I think he will surprise many in the Allsvenskan.”

Whilst there’s no denying that it’s been a frustrating season for Arsenal on the injury front, those injuries have allowed Hale End’s best talents to emerge, leading to praise from former defender Philippe Senderos.

Arsenal's Hale End gem could be better than Saka

Ever since the arrival of Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal academy has been a key element to any of the Gunners’ success. When the Spaniard was attempting to drag the Gunners out of mid-table obscurity and back onto Europe’s biggest stage, it was Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe who emerged to take North London by storm.

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In the end, injuries opened the exit door for Smith Rowe who swapped The Emirates for Fulham last summer, but his impact at the start of Arteta’s reign should not be forgotten anytime soon. Saka, meanwhile, has become the star of the show at Arsenal and his injury has no doubt played a part in what is likely to be another failed Premier League title push.

In his absence, however, the Gunners have had the chance to turn towards Hale End to uncover yet another gem who may even be better than their current star. Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Arsenal Invincible Senderos was quick to lavish praise on Ethan Nwaneri, claiming that his potential has no ceiling.

The former defender said: “He’s a special player. I think he’s learned from a lot of the Arsenal players who play on the right, right-wingers who come in on their left. I think Bukayo is a great example, an academy player who’s done that.

“Ethan – even more so – in the last few months I think is a special player who can make things and plays without fear again, tries things even in difficult situations, but also understands what is required and I think it shows why he’s been getting minutes.

“I don’t think there is a ceiling, I think he has attributes for the modern game and definitely suits Arsenal’s style of play and they found a way because of injuries or thanks to injuries, to give him his opportunities.

“We’re talking about special types of players, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly who have this maturity at a young age and are able to play at such a high level, it’s really impressive.”

"Special" Nwaneri is a rising star

Both Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have stolen the show at times in an Arsenal shirt at times and both continued to do so on England duty in the last week or so. First came Lewis-Skelly’s moment, with the left-back stealing the headlines for his debut goal for the senior side. Then, it was the turn of Nwaneri to make his mark, scoring a sensational effort for England’s U21s on Tuesday night.

Starts

7

30

Goals

3

5

Assists

1

3

Key Passes per 90

1.19

1.34

Although it’s worth noting that Saka was playing in a far less complete Arsenal side at 18 years old, there’s no denying that four goal involvements in seven Premier League starts makes for an impressive total for Nwaneri.

Five years younger than Saka, the latest Arsenal gem is only going to get better and better, perhaps even eclipsing his current teammate.

Chelsea are said to be working on potentially signing a former Tottenham player for manager Enzo Maresca, with the player currently enjoying an excellent season.

Chelsea targeting new defender for Maresca this summer

The Premier League top four chasers are expected to target another centre-back for Maresca this summer, after previously considering a January move for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

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Guehi was internally debated by Chelsea as a potential signing for the winter, but they eventually decided to postpone their plans to bring in a new body for that area of the squad and recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Palace.

Leicester City (home)

March 9th

Arsenal (away)

March 16th

Tottenham (home)

April 2nd

Brentford (away)

April 5th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 12th

Reports have since claimed that Chelsea are favourites to sign Guehi in the summer instead, with journalist Dean Jones tipping Maresca’s side to win the race for the Englishman’s signature.

“I had some scepticism when I first saw they went in for him. I’d heard nothing about it. At Tottenham, I have some reasonable contacts, but it wasn’t something I’d heard before all of this,” said Jones about a dramatic January bid from Tottenham for Guehi.

“They probably sensed that this was their big chance to go and do it because the likelihood is that Marc Guehi would choose to go to Chelsea, I’ve heard that for a long time now, and that will probably still be the case if Guehi leaves Crystal Palace at the end of the season then that’s where he ends up.”

Chelsea have been linked with other targets alongside Guehi for the centre-back area, but it is also believed that they could look to bring in a new full-back.

South American media reported this week that Chelsea have approached the representative of Flamengo right-back Wesley Franca, with BlueCo known for raiding Brazil when it comes to acquiring bright, young talent.

As well as Franca, it is now claimed that Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin is firmly on their radar heading into the summer.

The former Spurs defender left N17 in 2021 for the Black Cats, where he has since gone on to become a key player under Regis Le Bris as they chase promotion to the Premier League.

The Englishman is a mainstay for Sunderland and one of the standout members of their starting eleven, with journalist Graeme Bailey claiming Chelsea are actively running the rule over Cirkin.

Chelsea "doing work" on signing Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin

According to Bailey, in an interview for Sunderland AFC News, the 22-year-old is subject to interest from across England’s top flight. The reporter claims that Chelsea are “doing work” on signing Cirkin, but they face stiff competition from a host of rival clubs.

“Keep a close eye on Cirkin,” said Bailey. “I am told a lot of Premier League clubs have been doing work on him. Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Everton and Leeds – he is an outstanding prospect.”

Called “top-class” for his performances this term by ex-Championship striker Sam Parkin, it is predicted by some that he’d cost around £20 million.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou could suffer a potential Harry Kane repeat, as one Spurs star considers joining the England international at Bayern Munich.

Players who could leave Tottenham this summer

Spurs face a small exodus of certain players in the summer, with a few out of contract and others out of favour under Postecoglou.

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Richarlison is the first nominee for a potential Spurs exit this summer, after the Brazilian was subject to interest from the Saudi Pro League last summer, but instead chose to remain at N17 to battle his way into Postecoglou’s first-team.

Bournemouth (home)

March 9th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Chelsea (away)

April 2nd

Southampton (home)

April 5th

Wolves (away)

April 12th

Unfortunately, it’s been a very dismal campaign for the striker when it comes to injuries and general availability. As a result, reports have claimed that Tottenham are open to selling Richarlison this summer.

Meanwhile, following an unsuccessful second campaign on loan, it is highly likely that Spurs won’t take up the £8.5 million option to buy in Timo Werner’s temporary deal from RB Leipzig.

Tottenham are keen to keep Mathys Tel beyond his loan spell, but there is no guarantee that the Frenchman will choose to stay at the club, even if Spurs do want to trigger the £45 million option to buy in his contract.

Sergio Reguilon, Alfie Whiteman and Fraser Forster are all out of contract and free to leave Spurs in July, and while Ben Davies is in the same boat, credible media sources have reported that the Welshman is set for an extended one-year stay (The Athletic).

Club captain and star winger Son Heung-min was also set to leave at the end of this season on a free deal at one stage, but Spurs triggered the one-year extension clause in his contract to stop the South Korean departing at zero cost.

Son is said to be attracting interest from Saudi Arabia ahead of the summer, with certain Pro League sides willing to shell out around £42 million, but if clubs are determined to strike a deal this summer, then they may have to pay as much as £50 million, according to ex-Tottenham scout Bryan King.

Son considering move from Tottenham to Bayern Munich

Now, according to a report from Spain, it is believed that Son is actually considering a move to Bayern, where he would link up with ex-teammate Kane at the Allianz Arena.

Vincent Kompany’s side are said to be attracting the 32-year-old, who are also keen on the winger themselves as they seek to solidify their status as Germany’s top side after losing out on the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen last season.

While Son’s form has taken a dip since his excellent 2023/2024 campaign, he’s displayed flashes of brilliance, and the forward’s leadership would be irreplaceable.

“Son will have a year left on his contract and he is in his early thirties,” King said. “I think Tottenham would want a minimum of £50 million to sell him. He brings plenty of value to the club off the pitch, think about how many people travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to watch him.

“I’m not sure exactly how many people come every week. However, there always seems to be plenty of people travelling in from South Korea to see Son play.”

Manchester City are now reportedly willing to launch a stunning £100m+ move to sign a young talent who’s been compared to Lamine Yamal.

Guardiola: Man City "had everything" in Sunderland win

Say it quietly, but we might just have a Premier League title race on our hands. After Arsenal slipped up against Aston Villa, courtesy of a dramatic Emi Buendia winner, Man City took full advantage. The Citizens shoved Sunderland aside in vintage fashion as goals from Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden and a Ruben Dias stunner sealed all three points.

Arsenal’s lead at the top has now been cut to just two points and Pep Guardiola couldn’t hide his delight at full-time, telling reporters: “It had everything. It was one of our best performances of the season, against a great team, considering what they have done so far.

“Definitely [pleased to get a clean sheet], as they don’t concede much. One action from Ruben [Dias] when he lost the ball and they had a chance, but the rest of the match we were composed. We created a lot.”

The Spaniard, a title veteran, also assured reporters that there’s still a long way to go before the season concludes, saying: “Many things are going to happen still. It’s down to the way we play, not how many points behind we are. It’s the way you perform. The players are not stupid, consistency doesn’t come from one result.

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“In the last 9 to 10 games, we have been good. We have suffered a lot but we have to learn from it so it doesn’t happen again. When you score five goals against Fulham, you are doing good things.”

Back in their groove on the pitch, City are now reportedly willing to send shockwaves away from the action with a stunning bid to sign Chelsea’s Estevao Willian.

Man City willing to launch Estevao offer

According to reports in Spain, Man City are now willing to launch an offer to sign Estevao worth as much as €120m (£105m). The Brazilian has enjoyed a sensational rise since arriving at Stamford Bridge and is now recognised as one of the best young players in the world.

The 18-year-old recently stole the spotlight from Yamal when he scored an excellent solo goal against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge and that only added credit to Gus Poyet’s comparison between the two.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has also been full of praise for the teenager, dubbing him “special” earlier this season. Everything is pointing towards a generational star that Man City should be desperate to sign.

Chelsea hatch Mykhailo Mudryk plan in 'carefully considered' roadmap to rescue career

Sunderland’s squad is really starting to take shape now ahead of their first Premier League showdown with West Ham United next month.

Indeed, at the time of writing, Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, and Noah Sadiki have all joined Regis Le Bris’ camp in rapid-fire fashion, with the next expected arrival through the door coming in the form of promising Club Brugge attacker Chemsdine Talbi for a weighty £19.8m.

Sunderland’s breakneck pace in the summer transfer window won’t be slowing down here, you imagine, as more and more new faces are tipped to join the exciting Black Cats ride up to the top flight.

Sunderland lodge bid for next summer signing

The central midfield department certainly looks well stocked on Wearside, as plenty of attackers now begin to be linked to the Stadium of Light to boost numbers all over the pitch, away from just Talbi strengthening their options down the right channel.

Both Gonzalo Garcia and Luiz Suarez have been on the Sunderland radar from Real Madrid and Almeria, respectively, as Le Bris looks to enhance the Black Cats’ firepower up top. Still, with Garcia reportedly content to stick it out in Spain, and with Suarez on the Sporting shopping list, it might well be a tough battle ahead to tempt either promising striker to England.

It could well be an equally testing endeavour to try and pick up Sassuolo ace Armand Lauriente this summer. However, it is stated that Sunderland still holds a concrete interest in snapping up the entertaining Frenchman, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari.

Further reports from Italy have also suggested that the Black Cats have seen a first offer rejected for the forward, with the Italian outfit holding out for more than €30m (£25m) plus bonus. The player himself is said to be pushing to leave.

If Sunderland were ultimately successful in this race to land the explosive 26-year-old, they could be about to win Le Bris his next Le Fee, as another exciting talent from Europe down the left flank prepares to wreak havoc on Wearside.

Wju Lauriente can be Le Bris' next Le Fee

Sunderland’s strategy in the chaotic summer window so far seems to centre on them plucking gems from the European leagues, hopeful that they go on to be as instantly successful as Le Fee was on English shores.

Le Fee was a very bright spark for the Black Cats in their moment of need last season, as seen in the former Lorient midfielder collecting two assists in the tense playoff semi-final matches to secure his team a triumphant trip to Wembley.

Lauriente will hope he can translate his Sassuolo magic to the English game very shortly too, with the stylish winger spearheading his own promotion charge last season as Fabio Grosso’s men returned to Serie A at the first time of asking.

Their similarities don’t end there as Le Bris gears up to potentially welcome his next Le Fee to his ever-growing camp, with Lauriente well-versed in what it takes to be a star at a top level, having collected a mightily impressive tally of 42 goals and assists plying his trade in both Ligue 1 and Serie A. His compatriot, before embarking on a fresh challenge on Wearside, lags behind on 21 goals and assists in both those top divisions.

Sassuolo

102

31

18

Lorient

91

13

14

US Orleans

17

3

1

Rennes

2

0

0

Staggeringly, Lauriente might well go on to be an even bigger star than Le Fee when judging those numbers, with the Sassuolo number 45 no doubt ready to push the 25-year-old for a starting spot down the left flank. It’s no wonder that analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as “one of the best left-wing options out there”.

Having been lauded as an “amazing” performer to watch in the past by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, too, picking up Lauriente might well have the same impact Le Fee’s arrival did in boosting the Black Cats’ chances of being a success.

But this time around, he could be the decisive star that helps Sunderland stave off the relegation drop zone in the Premier League.

Dream squad Sunderland could build: £112m spent on 7 signings after Talbi

Sunderland looks ready to take the Premier League by storm, with this being potentially what their dream squad could look like very soon.

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After they splashed out a club-record £30m fee to sign Habib Diarra, some may have expected Sunderland to slow their spending down. That’s far from the case, however, as new Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi and Kristjaan Speakman kick things up a notch.

Noah Sadiki: Sunderland a "huge club"

Since signing Diarra, Sunderland have also welcomed Noah Sadiki from Union Saint-Gilloise to beat Leeds United to yet another transfer target this summer. The central midfielder arrives for around £17.5m, taking the Black Cats’ summer spending to around the £50m-mark in what has been a statement-making window thus far.

After putting pen to paper, the midfielder told Sunderland’s official website: “I want to thank everyone for welcoming me to Sunderland. This is a huge Club, but what convinced me was speaking to the people.

“They spoke about the history, what they want to build, and their belief in the part that I can play. I will bring duels, forward runs, passion, and track back. Above all else, I want to win – and I carry this desire with me every time I step onto the field. This is my team now, and I’m really happy with my decision.”

In the middle of a busy but impressive summer, sporting director Speakman also shared his delight after welcoming Sadiki: “Noah’s enjoyed a great level of experience at a relatively young age, and alongside his drive to improve, this makes him an exciting addition to our squad.”

Gyan 2.0: Sunderland make £17m star who's "making waves" a priority target

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ByDan Emery Jul 5, 2025

Speakman and Ghisolfi aren’t done just yet, however. Even after splashing out around £50m, they look destined to spend £20m more to welcome an attacking reinforcement in a deal out of nowhere.

Sunderland agree quick-fire deal to sign Chemsdine Talbi

According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have now reached an agreement to sign Chemsdine Talbi from Club Brugge and are expected to announce the arrival of the winger for €23m (£20m) plus add-ons. In another statement of intent from the Black Cats, the 20-year-old represents someone who is only set to get better with experience.

Dubbed “electric” by U23 scout Antonio Mango last season, Regis Le Bris will be signing a player who could instantly become one of the quickest to grace the Premier League – having clocked a faster time than Micky van de Ven last season.

On top of that, the winger possesses an eye for goal after netting seven in all competitions last time out and already has Champions League experience to his name. Out of Diarra, Le Fee and Sadiki, it could be Talbi who stands out as Sunderland’s signing of the summer.

Newcastle United have only gone from strength to strength since Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce at the helm in November 2021, currently preparing for their second Champions League campaign in three years.

Last season, the Magpies also won the Carabao Cup, ending 70 years of desperate searching for domestic silverware. The club are riding the crest of a wave, but need to consolidate their enviable position by making impactful summer signings ahead of a crucial year.

However, there’s no denying there have been several setbacks for Howe and co to contend with since wrapping up a successful 2024/25 season.

Joao Pedro has signed for Chelsea for £60m after being locked in United’s sights. Compounding this, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has informed his club he will only leave for Manchester United this summer, in spite of Newcastle’s interest.

While this has rocked a transfer window that fans awaited with fervour as the season wound down, a big effort is now needed to prove to the faithful that they will watch several exciting new stars plying their trade in black and white soon.

And there’s one in particular who the outfit are pushing to sign.

Premier League star wants to join Newcastle

Newcastle cashed in on Miguel Almiron in January, selling the 31-year-old winger back to Atlanta United in the MLS for around £8m.

Though Jacob Murphy has been exceptional on the right flank, it’s clear that the Toon need more depth, and that they have indeed been pushing to sign a fitting upgrade on the departed Paraguayan.

Well, Newcastle’s persistence might just pay off, in regard to Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, that is.

According to i News, Newcastle are aiming to kickstart their window with the acquisition of the Sweden international, who is thought to want the move.

Newcastle are still in dialogue with the Tricky Trees after seeing an opening £45m offer knocked back in June.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Forest qualified for the Conference League after an extraordinary season, and have made it known that they will only consider offers in excess of £60m.

What Anthony Elanga would bring to Newcastle

Two years ago, Nottingham Forest signed Elanga from Manchester United in a deal worth just £15m.

Having struggled for minutes at Old Trafford, the wideman’s decision to move has been vindicated and then some, having settled into his role as a key part of an ambitious project.

Across his two seasons at the City Ground, the 23-year-old has scored 11 goals and assisted 21 more, racking up 17 goal involvements across Forest’s recent Premier League season alone, earning praise for his “special” ability from his manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

You can only imagine how effective the forward’s playmaking might be under Howe’s wing. As per FBref, Elanga finished the 2024/25 Premier League campaign ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders for assists and the top 3% for crosses per 90.

Paired with Anthony Gordon on the attacking flanks, Newcastle might just find themselves in with the ideal attacking duo to dynamise a frontline that is already so proven, so fluent.

Matches (starts)

38 (31)

34 (28)

Goals

6

6

Assists

11

5

Shots (on target)*

1.2 (0.6)

1.7 (0.6)

Big chances missed

6

10

Pass completion

78%

81%

Big chances created

9

6

Key passes*

1.3

1.5

Dribbles*

0.7

0.

Ball recoveries*

2.3

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

0.7

1.1

Duels won*

3.0

4.4

Gordon and Elanga actually bring similar attacking qualities to their respective flanks, with both being positionally versatile too. Howe’s tactics are tuned toward swift transitional play, and this is something the Forest star excels at, declaring himself to be “one of the fastest players in the Premier League”.

Though his meagre dribble return across the 2024/25 campaign fails to illustrate this quality, the eye test proves that he is indeed perfect for the brand of football Howe implements on Tyneside. Gordon is a testament to that.

The England international utilises his rapidity to a similar effect, claiming on Three Lions duty last summer that he’s a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against due to his electric movements and tenacious attitude.

Though Gordon produced a campaign that left plenty to be desired, struggling to replicate his incredible 2023/24 term, notching 26 goal contributions and winning United’s Player of the Year, he could be back to his rip-roaring best if fielded alongside a maverick like Elanga.

With all-consuming striker Alexander Isak set to stay put, The Athletic’s David Ornstein even claiming there’s “no chance” he leaves St. James’ Park this summer after Newcastle got their feet back under Europe’s elite table, this could be a strike-force to be feared, such dynamic skills and blistering speed combining with the striker’s devastating finishing ability and rounded game.

While Newcastle have been dealt several blows across the window so far, Howe still has a clear vision in mind and will raise his team’s attacking level by adding Elanga to the ranks. After all, he hoped to complete a deal for the winger last year, only to see a late-stage offer rebuffed.

In any case, United’s perseverance might just seal the deal here, giving the manager a vibrant wide duo to propel the club even further forward.

Next Ben Arfa: Newcastle set to bid £50m for "electric" Elanga alternative

As Newcastle chase Anthony Elanga, should they instead go for an “electric” winger, one who is reminiscent of former fan’s favourite Hatem Ben Arfa?

ByBen Gray Jul 3, 2025