Manchester City appear to be the frontrunner in the pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s midfield talent Elliot Anderson, according to sources familiar with Sky Sports News. The capital club is one of several high‑profile teams, including Manchester United and Arsenal, that have expressed interest in the 23‑year‑old England international, and insiders now believe a move to the Etihad is becoming increasingly likely. Anderson, who joined Forest from Newcastle United in July 2024 for a reported £35 million, has quickly become a hot commodity among Premier League suitors. His performances have attracted attention from a number of top‑flight clubs, and the question now is whether a transfer can be finalized before or after the upcoming World Cup, where he is expected to feature prominently for manager Thomas Tuchel’s England side.
The midfielder’s contract with Forest runs until June 2029, which means the club could command a substantial fee. He is part of a promising cohort of central midfielders who may be on the market in the next transfer window, a group that includes the likes of Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and possibly Aurelian Tchouaméni.
City have praised Anderson’s development since his arrival from Newcastle and are said to enjoy a good relationship with Forest, which could smooth negotiations. The club’s midfield roster may undergo significant changes this summer, with the futures of Mateo Kovačić and Nico González still uncertain, while it has already been confirmed that Bernardo Silva will depart when his contract expires in June. In addition to the midfield, City are also scouting other positions. Sky Sports News reports that the club’s shortlist includes RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.
Diomande is regarded as one of the most exciting young attackers on the market, attracting interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich and other European giants. Kroupi, meanwhile, has impressed with Bournemouth, netting 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances since joining the club last summer. Despite these potential signings, City already possess considerable depth up front. Savinho provides support to Jeremy Doku on the left wing, while Omar Marmoush serves as a backup centre‑forward to Erling Haaland.
The club is also monitoring the right‑back position, with young Feyenoord defender Givairo Read among the names being tracked. Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter draws a direct comparison between Anderson and City’s current midfield anchor, Rodri. While both players share a similar profile as deep‑lying midfielders who can break up opposition play, their roles differ due to the tactical demands of their respective teams. Anderson is renowned for his tenacious tackling – he ranks as the third‑most prolific tackler in the league – and boasts an impressive 270 duels won, more than double Rodri’s total of 106.
In contrast, Rodri excels in ball retention and distribution under pressure, possessing one of the highest possession‑recycling rates in Europe. Since suffering an ACL injury last season, Rodri has become less inclined to carry the ball forward, a task at which Anderson excels. Moreover, Anderson’s availability is a notable asset; at 23 he is six years younger than the 29‑year‑old Spaniard, offering City a longer‑term solution in midfield. A partnership between Rodri and Anderson could provide City with a versatile midfield engine, whether they play side by side or rotate based on tactical needs.
However, the club must also be wary of past examples where highly‑rated midfield acquisitions failed to meet expectations at the Etihad. Kalvin Phillips, for instance, struggled to adapt to Guardiola’s system. Similarly, Matheus Nunes was forced to transition to a full‑back role to remain relevant, a change that did not suit his skill set.
If Anderson does join City, he will need to avoid the pitfalls that have befallen other promising midfielders and carve out a distinct role that complements Rodri’s playmaking abilities. His aggressive defensive work rate, combined with his capacity to drive forward with the ball, could make him an ideal counterpart to the more possession‑oriented Spaniard. Overall, the transfer saga surrounding Elliot Anderson underscores the intense competition among Premier League heavyweights to secure emerging English talent ahead of the World Cup.
While negotiations are still ongoing, all signs point to Manchester City being in the driver’s seat, ready to finalize a deal that could reshape their midfield dynamics for seasons to come.