Manchester City appear to be the frontrunner in the pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, according to sources close to Sky Sports News. The club is reportedly among several high‑profile suitors, which also include Manchester United and Arsenal, but insiders are increasingly convinced that the 23‑year‑old England international is destined for the Etihad Stadium.
Anderson, who arrived at Forest from Newcastle United in July 2024 for a reported £35 million, has quickly become a hot commodity for a number of Premier League sides. His performances in the midfield have drawn the attention of clubs looking to bolster their central areas, and his contract with Forest runs until June 2029, meaning any move will likely involve a substantial fee.
The timing of a potential transfer remains uncertain. It is not yet clear whether City will complete the deal before the upcoming World Cup, where Anderson is expected to feature prominently for England under manager Thomas Tuchel, or whether negotiations will continue after the tournament. Either scenario presents its own set of challenges, as the summer transfer window will be crowded with several elite midfielders on the market, including Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and possibly Aurélien Tchouaméni.
City’s scouting department has praised Anderson’s development since his arrival at the City Ground, noting that his growth has been impressive and that the relationship between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest is reportedly strong. This goodwill could smooth the path for a potential deal, especially as the club looks to reshuffle its midfield options.
There is still ambiguity surrounding the futures of current City midfielders Mateo Kovačić and Nico González, while Bernardo Silva is set to leave when his contract expires in June. Beyond the midfield, City are also active in other areas of the squad. Sky Sports News has identified two additional targets: RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.
Diomande is considered one of the most exciting young talents on the market and is attracting interest from clubs such as Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Kroupi, meanwhile, has made a strong impression at Bournemouth, scoring 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances since his arrival last summer. In the forward line, City already boast depth, with players like Savinho supporting Jeremy Doku on the left wing and Omar Marmoush serving as a backup centre‑forward to Erling Haaland. Nevertheless, the club continues to monitor the right‑back position, with a particular eye on young Feyenoord defender Givairo Read among other prospects.
Laura Hunter of Sky Sports highlighted the inevitable comparisons that will be drawn between Anderson and City’s current midfield anchor, Rodri. While both players share the profile of a deep‑lying playmaker who can break up opposition attacks, their roles differ due to the distinct tactical demands of their respective teams. Anderson is known for his aggressive tackling – he ranks as the third‑most prolific tackler in the Premier League and has won 270 duels, more than double Rodri’s 106. In contrast, Rodri excels in ball retention and distribution, boasting one of the highest pass‑completion rates in Europe and a remarkable ability to recycle possession under pressure.
The contrast in playing style could actually complement each other. Anderson’s willingness to carry the ball forward and his high work‑rate would add a new dimension to City’s midfield, while Rodri’s composure on the ball would maintain the team’s trademark possession‑based approach.
Their combined presence could give Pep Guardiola a versatile midfield core capable of rotating between defensive solidity and creative transition. However, the move is not without risk.
City have previously signed high‑profile midfielders who failed to meet expectations, the most notable example being Kalvin Phillips, whose tenure at the Etihad did not live up to the hype. Another cautionary tale is Matheus Nunes, who was forced to adapt to a full‑back role to remain in Guardiola’s plans, a transition he reportedly found uncomfortable.
If the transfer materialises, Anderson would join a squad that is both deep and ambitious, offering him the chance to compete for major trophies while further developing his game under one of the most innovative managers in world football. His availability, youth (being six years younger than Rodri), and proven ability to dominate duels make him an attractive prospect for a club looking to refresh its midfield engine. In summary, Manchester City are currently positioned as the leading candidate to secure Elliot Anderson’s services this summer. While competition from other top clubs remains fierce, the combination of a strong scouting report, a solid relationship with Nottingham Forest, and the strategic need to reinforce the midfield suggests that the Etihad could very well be Anderson’s next destination.
The final decision will hinge on negotiations over transfer fees, contract terms, and the timing relative to the World Cup, but all signs point toward a potential high‑profile move that could reshape City’s midfield dynamics for the upcoming season.