Manchester City appear to be the frontrunner in the pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this coming summer, according to sources familiar with Sky Sports News. The Blues are not the only heavyweight interested – clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal have also placed the 23‑year‑old on their radar – but insiders now suggest that a move to the Etihad is becoming increasingly probable. Anderson, who earned his first England cap earlier this year, has been on the wish‑list of several Premier League suitors since his £35 million transfer from Newcastle United to Forest in July 2024. The young Englishman quickly established himself as a key figure in Forest’s midfield, drawing attention for his blend of tenacity, ball‑winning ability and composure on the ball.
The question now is whether City can finalize a deal before the World Cup, where Anderson is expected to feature prominently for Thomas Tuchel’s England side, or whether negotiations will be postponed until after the tournament. For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date, Sky Sports offers a WhatsApp channel delivering the latest news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and more.
Anderson’s current contract with Forest runs until June 2029, meaning any transfer would likely involve a substantial fee. He is part of a burgeoning group of elite central midfielders whose contracts are set to expire or who could be moved in the next transfer window, a cohort that includes the likes of Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and possibly Aurelian Tchouameni. City’s scouting department have reportedly been impressed with Anderson’s development since his arrival at the City Ground. The relationship between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest is said to be strong, which could smooth negotiations.
Meanwhile, the Blues’ midfield roster is expected to undergo changes this summer. The futures of Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez remain uncertain, while veteran Bernardo Silva is confirmed to leave upon the expiry of his contract in June. These potential departures open space for a player of Anderson’s profile. In addition to midfield reinforcements, City are also eyeing other areas of the squad.
Sky Sports has identified two further targets: RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi. Diomande is regarded as one of the hottest prospects on the market, attracting interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich and other top clubs.
Kroupi, meanwhile, has impressed with 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth, marking him as a promising young striker. Despite these potential additions, City already possess depth up front.
Savinho provides support for Jeremy Doku on the left wing, while Omar Marmoush serves as a backup centre‑forward to Erling Haaland. The right‑back position is also under review, with reports that the club are monitoring the progress of young Feyenoord defender Givairo Read among other candidates. Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter offers a comparative analysis of Anderson and City’s current midfield anchor, Rodri.
She notes that while both players share the archetype of a deep‑lying midfielder who can break up opposition play, their roles diverge due to the differing tactical demands of their teams. Anderson is renowned for his aggressive tackling – he ranks third in the Premier League for successful tackles – and boasts an impressive 270 duels won, more than double Rodri’s tally of 106. Rodri, on the other hand, excels in possession retention and distribution under pressure, a skill set that has made him one of Europe’s most efficient ball‑recyclers.
The contrast becomes clearer when considering each player’s strengths. Anderson’s high work‑rate and ability to win the ball make him a perfect fit for a side that may need more defensive solidity in midfield. Rodri’s passing range and composure allow City to dominate possession and dictate tempo. A partnership between the two could provide Guardiola with tactical flexibility, allowing the pair to rotate or operate side‑by‑side depending on the opposition.
However, history offers cautionary tales. Several high‑profile midfielders have struggled to adapt to City’s demanding system after arriving with great expectations. Kalvin Phillips serves as a prime example of a player who failed to make the desired impact. Conversely, Matheus Nunes successfully reinvented himself as a full‑back to remain relevant under Pep Guardiola’s plans, demonstrating the adaptability required to thrive at the club.
If Anderson does join Manchester City, his youth – he is six years younger than Rodri – and his proven durability could be valuable assets. While Rodri’s ACL injury last season has limited his forward runs, Anderson’s willingness to carry the ball forward could complement the existing midfield configuration. In summary, Manchester City’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson reflects a broader strategy to refresh their midfield and maintain competitiveness across all competitions.
With potential departures, a World Cup looming, and a host of attractive alternatives on the market, the summer transfer window promises to be a pivotal period for the club. Fans can follow the developments via Sky Sports’ platforms, and keep an eye out for further announcements regarding both midfield and attacking signings as the club fine‑tunes its squad for the upcoming season.