Manchester City appear to be the frontrunner in the pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, according to sources at Sky Sports News. The club is reportedly among several high‑profile suitors – which also include Manchester United and Arsenal – but insiders are increasingly convinced that the 23‑year‑old English international is destined for a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Anderson, who arrived at Forest from Newcastle United in July 2024 for a reported fee of £35 million, has quickly become a hot commodity among Premier League teams. His performances in the midfield have attracted attention from a range of clubs looking to bolster their central areas, and City’s interest seems to be the most advanced at present. The timing of any potential deal remains uncertain, as negotiations could unfold either before the upcoming World Cup – where Anderson is expected to feature prominently for Thomas Tuchel’s England side – or after the tournament concludes.
The midfielder is currently tied to Forest until June 2029, and his market value is projected to be substantial. He joins a cohort of elite central midfielders who may be on the move in the next transfer window, a group that includes the likes of Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and possibly Aurelian Tchouameni. Such a collection of talent underscores the high demand for versatile, hard‑working midfield options across the league.
City’s scouting department has praised Anderson’s development since his arrival from Newcastle, noting that his growth has been impressive and that the relationship between the two clubs remains strong. The potential signing could also coincide with a period of transition in City’s own midfield.
Uncertainty surrounds the futures of Mateo Kovačić and Nico González, while it has already been confirmed that Bernardo Silva will depart when his contract expires in June. These factors suggest that Pep Guardiola may be looking to refresh his engine room with a player capable of both breaking up opposition play and contributing to the team’s fluid passing game.
Beyond the midfield, City are reportedly monitoring several other positions. Sky Sports has identified two additional targets: RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi. Diomande is considered one of the most exciting young talents on the market, attracting interest from clubs such as Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Kroupi, meanwhile, has impressed in his first season with Bournemouth, netting 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances and establishing himself as a promising forward prospect.
In the forward line, City already possess a deep pool of options. Savinho provides support to Jeremy Doku on the left flank, while Omar Marmoush serves as a backup centre‑forward behind Erling Haaland.
Nevertheless, the club continues to explore potential reinforcements to maintain competition for places and ensure squad depth throughout a demanding season. Defensively, the right‑back position is also on City’s radar.
Reports indicate that the club is tracking Feyenoord youngster Givairo Read, among others, as part of their effort to secure versatile options across the back line. Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter offers a comparative analysis, noting that while it is natural to draw parallels between Anderson and City’s current midfield anchor Rodri, the two players bring distinct attributes to the table.
Both are capable of anchoring a side, exhibiting high work rates and strong defensive instincts. However, Anderson’s style is more aggressive in terms of tackling – he ranks as the third‑most prolific tackler in the division – whereas Rodri tends to operate with a more passive defensive approach, reflecting City’s possession‑dominant philosophy. Statistically, Anderson leads the league in duels won, having claimed 270 battles, more than double Rodri’s tally of 106. Conversely, Rodri excels in ball distribution under pressure, boasting an exceptional possession‑retention rate that few European midfielders can match.
Since returning from an ACL injury, Rodri has become less inclined to carry the ball forward, a role where Anderson shines. Additionally, Anderson’s availability is a notable advantage; at 23 he is six years younger than the 29‑year‑old Spaniard, offering potentially greater durability over a long season. The notion of pairing Anderson with Rodri – either as a complementary duo or as rotational options – could provide City with a flexible midfield structure. However, the club must also consider past examples of high‑profile midfield signings that have struggled to adapt to Guardiola’s system, such as Kalvin Phillips, whose tenure at the Etihad did not meet expectations.
Another case in point is Matheus Nunes, who was forced to transition to a full‑back role to retain his place in the squad, highlighting the importance of tactical fit and player adaptability. In summary, Manchester City’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson appears to be the most advanced among interested parties, with the club positioning itself as the likely destination for the English midfielder. Should the transfer materialise, Anderson could provide the hard‑tackling, high‑energy presence that complements the technical brilliance of players like Rodri, while also offering a younger, more readily available option for Guardiola’s evolving midfield plans.
The upcoming weeks – and possibly the post‑World Cup period – will reveal whether City can secure Anderson’s signature and integrate him into a squad already brimming with talent across all positions.