Nottingham Forest slap eye-watering £60 million price tag on Arsenal target Anthony Elanga with interest set to mount before the summer transfer window opens. The Swedish winger has also drawn interest from several top Premier League clubs after delivering an outstanding 2024/25 campaign at the City Ground, showcasing impressive pace, penetration, and final-third quality for a side that survived only through a last-day escape.
Arsenal are eager to add to their options in attack, particularly out wide, as Mikel Arteta aims to build a more dynamic forward line to challenge Manchester City once again. Bukayo Saka remains undroppable on the right wing, while the left flank has seen rotation between Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both moving in and out of the starting lineup this season. To be clear, Elanga’s profile – a direct runner with one-vs-ones and a relentless attitude – makes him an interesting prospect.
Arsenal are interested in signing Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga this summer ✍️https://t.co/QDHnNsapfD pic.twitter.com/LklPamF9fG
Forest, though, are under no pressure to sell. With Premier League status now secure and their financial situation improving, the club believe they are in a position of strength. The £60m is not just a deterrent; it reflects their valuation of a player who joined for just £15m from Manchester United last year and whose stock has since soared.
Arsenal have not made a formal approach yet, but the club is closely monitoring the situation. Club officials have already discussed a potential switch internally, though it remains unclear whether the Gunners will pay the full fee or attempt to negotiate a deal that includes performance-related add-ons.
According to an insider, Anthony Elanga knows about Arsenal’s increasing interest however the 22-year-old has no plans to leave Nottingham Forest at the moment. His decision to leave Old Trafford in search of regular first team football looks a wise one, with the Swede having his best season yet and earning recognition from national team selectors as a result.
Elanga has scored nine goals and set-up another seven in Premier League this season, with his electric pace and improved decision-making earning plaudits from pundits and managers alike. Being able to operate on both wings and also perform defensive duties brings further value, particularly for a side like Arsenal, who need tactical discipline from their wide players.
Although talk is increasing, Elanga has not requested a switch. Forest have put their faith in him which, coupled with his stellar form under Nuno Espírito Santo, has provided just the good setting for him to grow. However, the attraction of European football, potential to challenge for trophies and working under Mikel Arteta may be enough to persuade him if a formal approach is made.
🚨 Arsenal eyes Anthony Elanga! With a £60M price tag, is he the missing piece for Mikel Arteta’s squad revamp? 🎯 Swede’s versatility could be a game-changer, but will Forest let him go? 🤔 #AFC #TransferTalk #Elanga pic.twitter.com/mEgm5nnjqq
Importantly Elanga is tied to a contract until 2028 which will give Forest the whip hand. Unless Arsenal are willing to pay over the odds, or Elanga forces it, the move may stall and become a last minute transfer saga.
In terms of tactics, Arsenal pursuing Anthony Elanga makes sense, but may be a position of strategy. He is one of the few players to possess a combination of raw speed and pressing intelligence that would suit Arteta’s high-tempo system. He is also 22 and fits the club’s profile in terms of long-term planning, offering immediate depth and future resale value.
But at £60m he won’t come easy, particularly with Arsenal needing to strengthen elsewhere — midfield and the defence — this summer. Elanga has been a strong prospect, but is still very much a rough diamond. A deal that size inevitably carries risk, particularly as subpar but less expensive alternatives might be found abroad.
In the end, Arsenal may move if the fee falls, or if Forest become more open to the situation. Until then, their interest remains cautious rather than concrete. For Elanga, the future is undoubtedly bright—whether it lies at the Emirates or not.
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