Newcastle United look to strengthen their squad and starting eleven as they play in the Champions League once again next season. The qualification for Europe’s prestigious competition will financially boost the club, and their summer activity reflects their ambition to push on and not just settle. Newcastle are chasing a move for Anthony Elanga, though they have just been dealt a big blow in that area.
Newcastle Bid for Anthony Elanga Brutally Rejected: Antoine Semenyo Move On the Cards
£45 Million Bid Tabled
According to David Ornstein, Newcastle tabled a £45 million bid on the morning of June 24, for Elanga. Unfortunately for the Magpies, Nottingham Forest are not willing to entertain this at all. The proposal was “rejected without a counter [offer]”: they are not interested in negotiating. Ornstein reveals that Forest have “no intention of selling the winger”.
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Newcastle are reportedly now considering whether to continue their pursuit, despite a clear rebuttal from the Midlands outfit, or whether to give up. They want a right-winger this summer, but do have other options “on their radar”. Manchester United target, Antoine Semenyo, has “featured heavily in discussions”. Meanwhile, they have some interest in West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.
Elanga, Semenyo, or Kudus: Who Fits Best?
Elanga is an incredibly gifted footballer, described as a “rare Premier League winger” due to his two-footedness: his dribbling ability is phenomenal on both feet. The option to either cut inside, or go wide and cross the ball is always a great attribute, though particularly with the towering Alexander Isak lurking in the box, this could be perfect.
However, another very two-footed player is Semenyo, though in that respect he is more effective shooting rather than crossing. The 25-year-old’s most significant trait, however, is his strength. This can come into play both in and out of possession, which is particularly important in an Eddie Howe system which involves a lot of physicality.
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Kudus is another fantastic player with exceptional technical ability. He also offers the option to play centrally, as a ten. However, it may be argued that the Ghanaian does not quite have the discipline or defensive work ethic to properly fit into a Howe system. This seems to be where Semenyo would be the preferred option, as he is displaying these skills under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth currently – not to mention Howe’s (and Newcastle’s) links with his former club.
