Manchester City appear to be the frontrunner in the pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s promising midfielder Elliot Anderson this coming summer, according to sources close to Sky Sports News. The 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 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. The young midfielder’s performances have caught the eye of multiple top‑flight clubs, and his contract at the City Ground runs until June 2029, giving Forest a strong negotiating position.
His market value is expected to rise further as he joins a cohort of elite central midfielders expected to be available in the next transfer window, a group that includes the likes of Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and possibly Aurelian Tchouameni. The timing of any potential deal remains uncertain, as the upcoming World Cup will see Anderson play a pivotal role for England under manager Thomas Tuchel. Whether City secure his signature before the tournament or wait until after it concludes will depend on how negotiations progress and how the player’s form evolves on the international stage. City’s scouting staff have praised Anderson’s development since his arrival at Forest, noting that his growth has been impressive and that the relationship between the two clubs is reportedly strong.
This goodwill could smooth the path for a transfer, especially as City contemplate reshaping their midfield. The futures of current midfield options such as Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez are still in flux, and Bernardo Silva is set to leave when his contract expires in June, leaving a clear opening for fresh talent.
In addition to Anderson, City are reportedly monitoring several other positions. Sky Sports has identified RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi as potential targets. Diomande is regarded as one of the most exciting young attacking prospects on the market, attracting interest from clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Kroupi, meanwhile, has shown his quality at Bournemouth, netting 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances since joining the club last summer.
While City’s forward line already boasts depth—with Savinho complementing Jeremy Doku on the left wing and Omar Marmoush serving as a backup striker to Erling Haaland—the club are also exploring options at right‑back. Young Feyenoord defender Givairo Read has been mentioned as a player under observation. Laura Hunter of Sky Sports highlighted the natural tendency to compare Anderson with City’s current midfield anchor, Rodri.
Both players share a similar profile: they are physically robust, excel at breaking up opposition play, and can serve as the fulcrum around which a team operates. However, their specific roles diverge due to the differing tactical demands of their respective clubs. Anderson is known for his aggressive tackling—he ranks among the top three in the division for successful tackles—and leads the league in duels won, having secured 270 battles, more than double Rodri’s tally of 106.
Rodri, on the other hand, is celebrated for his composure on the ball and his exceptional passing accuracy under pressure. His ability to retain possession and recycle play is among the best in Europe, making him a vital component of City’s possession‑heavy style. Since returning from 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 advantage; at 23, he offers a younger, potentially more durable option compared to the 29‑year‑old Spaniard. The prospect of a Rodri‑Anderson partnership could provide City with tactical flexibility, allowing the two to rotate or operate together depending on the opposition.
Nevertheless, the club must be cautious, as history shows that not all high‑profile midfield signings thrive at the Etihad. Kalvin Phillips serves as a cautionary tale of a player who struggled to adapt to City’s system. Similarly, Matheus Nunes was forced to transition to a full‑back role to retain his place in Pep Guardiola’s plans, illustrating the demanding nature of the manager’s expectations.
In summary, Manchester City are well‑positioned to secure Elliot Anderson’s services, with the club’s interest reinforced by the player’s contract length, his standout performances, and the strategic need to refresh the midfield ahead of the post‑World Cup window. While negotiations may be influenced by the upcoming international tournament, the convergence of City’s scouting reports, the player’s ambition, and the club’s evolving roster suggest that a move to the Etihad could be on the horizon for the talented English midfielder.