Manchester City appear to be on the verge of clinching a deal for Nottingham Forest’s midfield talent Elliot Anderson, according to sources at Sky Sports News. The English international, who is 23 years old, has attracted interest from several high‑profile clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal, but insiders say the Premier League champions are the front‑runners and that a move to the Etihad is increasingly likely. Anderson arrived at Forest in July 2024 after a £35 million transfer from Newcastle United. Since then he has become one of the most talked‑about young midfielders in the league, drawing the attention of multiple suitors.
The timing of any agreement remains uncertain, as the summer transfer window will intersect with the upcoming World Cup, where Anderson is expected to play a key role for England under Thomas Tuchel. His contract with Forest runs until June 2029, which means the club could demand a substantial fee. He is part of a burgeoning cohort of elite central midfielders who could be on the market in the next window – names such as Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and possibly Aurelian Tchouaméni have also been mentioned.
City’s scouting staff have praised Anderson’s development since his move from Newcastle, noting that the relationship between the two clubs is reportedly strong. The potential signing comes at a time when City’s midfield composition is likely to change.
The futures of Mateo Kovačić and Nico González are still unclear, while it has already been confirmed that Bernardo Silva will depart when his contract expires in June. Beyond the midfield, City are also probing other areas of the squad. Sky Sports has revealed 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, with interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich and other top clubs.
Kroupi, who joined Bournemouth last summer, has impressed with 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances and is seen as a promising forward option. Nevertheless, City already have a deep attacking roster. Savinho provides support for Jeremy Doku on the left wing, while Omar Marmoush serves as a backup centre‑forward to Erling Haaland.
The club is also monitoring right‑back options, with young Feyenoord defender Givairo Read among the names being tracked. Laura Hunter of Sky Sports highlighted the inevitable comparison between Anderson and City’s current midfield anchor, Rodri. Both players share a similar profile – they are the type of midfielder around which a team can be built, possessing high work‑rates and strong defensive instincts.
However, their roles differ because of the tactical demands of their respective sides. Anderson is renowned for his aggressive tackling; he ranks third in the division for successful tackles and has won 270 duels, a league‑leading figure that dwarfs Rodri’s 106.
Rodri, by contrast, excels in possession‑based play, boasting an exceptional passing retention rate and the ability to recycle the ball under pressure, qualities that are essential for a City side that dominates possession. Since suffering an ACL injury last season, Rodri has been less inclined to carry the ball forward, a task at which Anderson shines. The younger Englishman also offers greater availability, being six years younger than the Spaniard. This complementary skill set suggests that a partnership or rotation between Rodri and Anderson could benefit City, providing both the ball‑retention expertise of Rodri and the ball‑winning, high‑pressing qualities of Anderson.
Of course, the move is not without risk. City have previously signed midfielders with high expectations who failed to make an impact, the most notable example being Kalvin Phillips, whose spell at the Etihad did not live up to the hype. Another case is Matheus Nunes, who was forced to adapt to a full‑back role to stay relevant under Pep Guardiola’s system – a transition that did not suit his preferences.
If Anderson can avoid these pitfalls, his blend of tenacity, ball‑winning ability and willingness to drive forward could make him an ideal addition to Guardiola’s midfield, either as a partner for Rodri or as a versatile alternative when rotation is required. His contract length at Forest also gives City the leverage to negotiate a fee that reflects both his current value and his potential upside.
In summary, Manchester City are actively pursuing Elliot Anderson, positioning themselves as the likely destination for the promising English midfielder. While negotiations may be influenced by the World Cup schedule, the club’s broader transfer strategy – which includes scouting for wingers, strikers and defenders – indicates a comprehensive plan to refresh the squad across multiple positions.
Should the deal go through, Anderson could become a pivotal figure in City’s midfield, offering a blend of defensive grit and forward momentum that complements the existing strengths of the team.