Manchester City appear to be the frontrunner in the pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, according to sources familiar with Sky Sports News. The club is one of several high‑profile suitors, alongside Manchester United and Arsenal, but insiders now believe the Etihad could soon be Anderson's new home. The 23‑year‑old England international has attracted attention from a number of Premier League rivals ever since he completed a £35 million move from Newcastle United to Forest in July 2024. While the exact timing of any transfer remains uncertain – it could be sealed before the World Cup or after England's campaign under Thomas Tuchel – the consensus is that Anderson will play a pivotal role for the national side at the tournament.
Anderson's contract with Forest runs until June 2029, and his market value is expected to be substantial. He belongs to a cohort of elite central midfielders who could be on the move in the upcoming window, a group that includes the likes of Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and possibly Aurelian Tchouameni. City have been impressed by the way Anderson has progressed since his arrival at the City Ground, and the relationship between the two clubs is reported to be very positive. This goodwill could smooth negotiations if a deal is reached.
There are also indications that Manchester City’s midfield may undergo a reshuffle this summer. The futures of Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez are still unclear, while it has already been confirmed that Bernardo Silva will depart when his contract expires in June. In addition, the club is keen to retain Rodri, who is currently linked with Real Madrid, by offering him a new deal before his current agreement runs out in 2027.
Beyond the midfield, City are scouting other positions. Sky Sports News has identified two additional targets: RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.
Diomande is considered one of the hottest young prospects on the market, attracting interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich and other top clubs. Kroupi, who joined Bournemouth last summer, has already demonstrated his quality by netting 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances. Despite these potential additions, City already possess a deep attacking roster.
On the left wing they have Savinho supporting Jeremy Doku, while Omar Marmoush serves as a backup centre‑forward to Erling Haaland. The club is also monitoring the right‑back position, with reports that they are tracking young Feyenoord defender Givairo Read among other candidates. Laura Hunter of Sky Sports highlighted the inevitable comparison between Anderson and City’s current midfield anchor, Rodri. While both players share the profile of a central midfielder who can dictate tempo and break up opposition play, their specific roles differ due to the distinct styles of their teams.
Anderson is renowned for his aggressive tackling – he ranks third in the league for successful tackles – and his ability to win duels, having recorded 270 successful challenges, more than double Rodri's 106. In contrast, Rodri excels in ball retention and distribution under pressure, boasting one of the highest possession‑recycling rates in Europe. Since returning from an ACL injury, Rodri has been less inclined to carry the ball forward, a task that Anderson performs with confidence. Moreover, Anderson’s availability is a notable advantage; at 23 he is six years younger than the 29‑year‑old Spaniard, offering City a longer runway for development and durability.
A partnership between Rodri and Anderson could provide Manchester City with a versatile midfield engine, either playing together or rotating to suit tactical demands. However, the club must also be wary of past examples where highly rated midfield signings struggled to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s system. Kalvin Phillips serves as a cautionary tale of a promising player who failed to make the expected impact at the Etihad.
Conversely, Matheus Nunes illustrates how a player can reinvent himself – transitioning from midfield to full‑back to remain relevant under Guardiola’s plans. Such adaptability underscores the importance of finding a midfielder who not only possesses the technical attributes but also the willingness to evolve within the team's framework. In summary, Manchester City are actively shaping their squad for the next season, with Elliot Anderson emerging as a prime target to bolster their midfield depth and defensive grit. While negotiations are still underway and the final outcome may hinge on the timing of the World Cup and the club's broader transfer strategy, the consensus among informed sources is that the Etihad is poised to make a decisive move for the young England international.