Manchester City are currently the front-runners to secure the signing of Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson during the summer transfer window, according to information obtained by Sky Sports News. The club faces competition from several other prominent teams, including Manchester United and Arsenal, but well-informed sources believe that Anderson is likely to join City. Anderson, a 23-year-old England international, has attracted the interest of multiple Premier League clubs since his move from Newcastle United to Forest in July 2024 for a fee of £35 million. It remains uncertain whether a deal can be finalized before or after the World Cup, where Anderson is expected to play a key role for England under Thomas Tuchel.
Anderson's contract with Forest runs until June 2029, and his value is anticipated to be substantial given his status as one of the elite central midfielders set to be available in the next transfer window, alongside players such as Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and potentially Aurelian Tchouameni. Manchester City admire Anderson's development since joining Forest and have excellent relations with the club.
Changes are anticipated in City's midfield during the summer, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez, and the confirmed departure of Bernardo Silva when his contract expires in June. Real Madrid have also expressed interest in Rodri, but City are keen to retain him and have him sign a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2027. In addition to midfielders, City are exploring other positions, including forwards, with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi identified as potential recruits.
Diomande is one of the most sought-after young players in the market this summer, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich also showing interest. Kroupi has impressed since his move to Bournemouth last summer, scoring 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances. Although City are well-stocked in the forward line, with Savinho supporting Jeremy Doku on the left wing and Omar Marmoush serving as the backup center-forward to Erling Haaland, the club is also considering the right-back position and has been tracking the progress of young Feyenoord defender Givairo Read, among others. According to Sky Sports' Laura Hunter, while there may be a natural inclination to compare Elliot Anderson directly to Rodri as Manchester City attempts to sign the Nottingham Forest midfielder, it is equally interesting to consider their compatibility.
Both players share similarities as midfielders who can anchor a team, with a strong work rate and the ability to break up play. However, their roles differ due to the teams they play for.
Anderson is utilized as a tough tackler, ranking third in the division for tackles, whereas Rodri is more passive in this area, given that Manchester City often maintains possession of the ball. Anderson has won 270 duels, a league high, more than double Rodri's total of 106. Rodri excels at distributing the ball under pressure, boasting a high retention rate, and few in Europe can match his ability to recycle possession and advance through the thirds. Since his ACL injury last season, however, Rodri has been less inclined to carry the ball, a trait at which Anderson excels.
Anderson's availability is also a significant strength, being six years younger than Rodri. A partnership between Rodri and Anderson could serve City well, whether used together or in rotation. Nevertheless, Anderson must be cautious not to follow the example of other high-profile midfielders who have joined City with promise but failed to deliver, such as Kalvin Phillips.
Another instance is Matheus Nunes, a midfielder whose role had to change to full-back to avoid being left out of Pep Guardiola's plans, highlighting the demands of working under the City manager.