Manchester City appear to be leading the race to secure the signature of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this coming summer, according to sources at Sky Sports News. The club joins a shortlist of heavyweight suitors that also includes Manchester United and Arsenal, and insiders are increasingly convinced that the Etihad will be Anderson's next destination. The 23‑year‑old England international has attracted interest from several Premier League rivals since his move to Forest from Newcastle United in July 2024, a transfer that commanded a fee of roughly £35 million.
While the exact timing of any deal remains uncertain – it could be concluded before the World Cup or after England’s campaign, where Anderson is expected to feature prominently under manager Thomas Tuchel – the buzz surrounding his potential switch to City is growing louder. Anderson is currently tied to Forest until June 2029, and his market value is projected to be substantial. He belongs to a burgeoning cohort of elite central midfielders who could become available in the next transfer window. Names in that group include Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and possibly Aurelian Tchouaméni, all of whom are being monitored by top clubs.
City’s scouting department has praised Anderson’s development since his arrival from Newcastle. Reports suggest that the relationship between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest is amicable, which could smooth negotiations should both parties decide to move forward. The potential arrival of Anderson may coincide with significant changes in City’s midfield.
Uncertainty looms over the futures of Mateo Kovačić and Nico Gonzalez, while it has already been confirmed that Bernardo Silva will depart when his contract expires in June. The club is also engaged in talks to retain Rodri, whose current deal runs out in 2027; Real Madrid have been linked with the Spanish midfielder, but City are keen to persuade him to sign a new contract.
Beyond the midfield, the Etihad are actively scouting other positions. Sky Sports News revealed two additional targets: RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi. Diomande is considered one of the hottest prospects on the market and is attracting attention from Liverpool, Bayern Munich and other European giants. Kroupi, meanwhile, has impressed with Bournemouth, netting 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances since his arrival last summer.
Despite these interests, City already possess a deep attacking roster. Savinho provides support to Jeremy Doku on the left flank, while Omar Marmoush serves as a backup centre‑forward to the prolific Erling Haaland.
The club is also monitoring the right‑back position, with young Feyenoord defender Givairo Read among the players being tracked. Laura Hunter of Sky Sports highlighted the inevitable comparison between Anderson and Rodri as City attempt to outmaneuver rival clubs for the Forest midfielder’s signature. Both players share a similar profile: they are the type of midfielders around whom a team can be built, possessing a relentless work‑rate and strong defensive instincts. However, their specific roles differ due to the tactical demands of their respective teams.
Anderson excels as a hard‑tackling enforcer, ranking as the third‑most prolific tackler in the Premier League and leading the division with 270 duels won – more than double Rodri’s 106. In contrast, Rodri’s game is built on possession, with an exceptional passing retention rate and the ability to recycle the ball efficiently under pressure. Since returning from an ACL injury last season, Rodri has become less inclined to carry the ball forward, an area where Anderson shines.
Availability is another factor that favors Anderson; at 23 he offers several years of prime fitness, whereas Rodri is six years his senior. This age gap could allow City to rotate the two players, providing tactical flexibility and cover for injuries.
Nevertheless, City must be cautious. History shows that high‑profile midfield signings do not always flourish at the Etihad.
Kalvin Phillips serves as a cautionary tale, having struggled to adapt after a promising move. Similarly, Matheus Nunes was forced to transition to a full‑back role to remain in Pep Guardiola’s plans, a shift that did not suit his preferences. If managed correctly, a partnership or rotational system involving Rodri and Anderson could prove highly effective for Manchester City, blending Rodri’s composure on the ball with Anderson’s tenacity and ball‑carrying ability. The club’s challenge will be to integrate Anderson without repeating past missteps, ensuring that his strengths are maximised while providing him with a clear role within Guardiola’s evolving midfield schema.
In summary, Elliot Anderson stands at the centre of a compelling transfer narrative. With his contract running until 2029, his market value soaring, and multiple elite clubs vying for his services, Manchester City appear to have the advantage both in terms of resources and in the rapport already established with Nottingham Forest. Should the deal materialise, Anderson could become a pivotal figure in City’s midfield overhaul, complementing existing talents and offering a fresh dynamic as the club prepares for the challenges of the upcoming season and beyond.