Manchester City appear to be leading the race to acquire Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this coming summer, according to sources at Sky Sports News. The club is listed among several high‑profile suitors, including Manchester United and Arsenal, but insiders are increasingly convinced that the Etihad will be Anderson's next destination.
The 23‑year‑old England international has attracted interest 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 agreement remains uncertain, discussions could conclude either before or after the upcoming World Cup, where Anderson is expected to feature prominently for Thomas Tuchel's England side.
Anderson is currently tied to Forest until June 2029, and his market value is projected to be substantial. He belongs to a cohort of elite central midfielders who are likely to be on the transfer market in the next window, a group that includes the likes of Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and possibly Aurelian Tchouaméni. The presence of such talent makes his potential move a focal point for clubs looking to reinforce their midfield cores. City have praised the progress Anderson has made since arriving at the City Ground from Newcastle.
Reports suggest that the relationship between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest is strong, which could smooth the path for a transfer. Meanwhile, the Citizens' midfield roster may undergo changes this summer.
Uncertainty surrounds the futures of Mateo Kovačić and Nico González, and it has already been confirmed that Bernardo Silva will depart when his contract expires in June. Beyond the midfield, City are also scouting other areas of the squad.
Sky Sports News has identified two additional targets: RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi. Diomande is regarded as one of the hottest young prospects on the market, attracting interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich and other European heavyweights. Kroupi, who joined Bournemouth last season, has impressed with 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances and is viewed as a promising attacking option. Nevertheless, City already boast a deep attacking line‑up.
Savinho operates on the left wing alongside Jeremy Doku, while Omar Marmoush provides backup to Erling Haaland in the centre‑forward role. The club is also monitoring the right‑back position, with reports that they are tracking Feyenoord defender Givairo Read among other candidates.
Sky Sports' Laura Hunter offered insight into how Anderson might compare with City’s current midfield anchor, Rodri. "There will be a natural compulsion to compare Elliot Anderson directly to Rodri as Man City try to fend off competition from across the Premier League to sign the Nottingham Forest midfielder this summer. But admiring their compatibility is equally interesting," she wrote.
Hunter noted that while both players fit the profile of a midfield pivot—hard‑working, strong in ball recovery—their specific roles differ due to the tactical demands of their respective teams. Anderson excels as a hard‑tackling disruptor; he ranks as the third‑most prolific tackler in the division and has won a league‑leading 270 duels, more than double Rodri's 106. In contrast, Rodri is renowned for his calm distribution under pressure and his exceptional possession‑retention rate, traits that suit a side that dominates ball possession like City. Since suffering an ACL injury last season, Rodri has become less inclined to carry the ball forward, a facet where Anderson shines.
The 23‑year‑old’s availability also gives him an edge, as he is six years younger than the Spanish international and has thus far avoided significant injury layoffs. Hunter speculated that a partnership between Rodri and Anderson could benefit City, either through simultaneous deployment or a rotational system. However, she warned that Anderson would need to avoid the pitfalls that have befallen other high‑profile midfield signings at the Etihad, citing Kalvin Phillips as a cautionary example of a player who struggled to meet expectations.
She also referenced Matheus Nunes, who was forced to adapt to a full‑back role to stay relevant under Pep Guardiola, illustrating the demanding nature of City’s tactical environment. Players must be versatile and willing to adjust their responsibilities to fit Guardiola's evolving plans. In summary, Manchester City are actively pursuing Elliot Anderson as part of a broader strategy to refresh their midfield and maintain their dominance in English football. With several other targets on their radar and potential departures looming, the upcoming transfer window promises to be a busy period for the club as they aim to assemble a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
The outcome of the World Cup could also influence negotiations, as Anderson’s performances on the international stage may further elevate his profile and market value.