Manchester City appear to be leading the race to acquire Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this coming summer, according to sources cited by Sky Sports News. The Premier League champions are among several high‑profile clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal, that have expressed interest in the 23‑year‑old England international, but insiders now suggest the Etihad could be his next destination. Anderson, who moved to Forest from Newcastle United in July 2024 for a reported £35 million, has quickly become a hot commodity. His performances have attracted attention from a host of top‑flight rivals, and his contract at the City Ground runs until June 2029, guaranteeing Forest a substantial fee should a deal materialise.
The timing of any agreement remains uncertain, as the player is expected to feature prominently for Thomas Tuchel’s England side at the upcoming World Cup. Whether City secure his services before the tournament or wait until after it concludes is still a matter of speculation. The midfielder’s value is further heightened by the fact that he belongs to a new generation of elite central midfielders who could be on the market this window. Names such as Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and possibly Aurélian Tchouaméni have also been linked with moves, creating a competitive environment for clubs looking to reinforce their middle of the park.
City’s admiration for Anderson stems from his rapid development since arriving at Forest. The relationship between the two clubs is reportedly strong, which could smooth negotiations. Meanwhile, the Citizens are likely to reassess their midfield options this summer.
Uncertainty surrounds the futures of Mateo Kovačić and Nico González, and it has already been confirmed that Bernardo Silva will depart when his contract expires in June. These potential departures open up space for a player of Anderson’s profile, who combines tenacity with technical ability. Beyond the midfield, City are also scouting other areas of the squad. Sky Sports News revealed 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, attracting interest from clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Kroupi, meanwhile, has impressed in his first season with Bournemouth, netting 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances, and could provide depth alongside the existing forward options such as Savinho, Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush, who currently serve as backup to Erling Haaland.
Defensively, City are also monitoring right‑back prospects, with Feyenoord youngster Givairo Read among those being tracked. The club’s comprehensive recruitment strategy reflects a desire to maintain squad depth across all positions, ensuring they remain competitive on multiple fronts. Analyst Laura Hunter of Sky Sports highlighted the natural comparison between Anderson and City’s current midfield anchor, Rodri. While both players share the archetype of a deep‑lying playmaker who can break up opposition attacks, their roles differ due to the distinct styles of their respective teams.
Anderson is renowned for his aggressive tackling – he ranks as the third‑most prolific tackler in the Premier League – and boasts an impressive 270 duels won, more than double Rodri’s 106. In contrast, Rodri excels in ball retention and distribution under pressure, often acting as the conduit for City’s possession‑heavy approach. Since returning from an ACL injury, Rodri has become less inclined to carry the ball forward, a task at which Anderson thrives.
The potential for a Rodri‑Anderson partnership is intriguing. Their contrasting strengths could complement each other, offering Pep Guardiola tactical flexibility. However, past experiences warn of the risks associated with high‑profile midfield signings. Kalvin Phillips, for example, struggled to adapt to City’s system after a promising arrival, while Matheus Nunes was eventually converted to a full‑back role to secure playing time.
Both cases underscore the importance of integrating new midfielders carefully, ensuring they fit within Guardiola’s demanding framework. If City succeed in signing Anderson, they would add a player who not only brings defensive solidity but also possesses the stamina and ball‑carrying ability to support rapid transitions. His youth – six years younger than Rodri – adds a long‑term dimension to the squad, potentially allowing the club to phase in a new midfield dynamic over several seasons.
Overall, the summer transfer window promises to be a busy period for Manchester City. With key contracts expiring, a possible midfield overhaul, and a list of promising targets across the pitch, the club is positioning itself to retain its dominance domestically and to challenge for European glory. Whether Elliot Anderson will become the next piece of that puzzle remains to be seen, but all signs point to a serious bid from the Premier League giants to bring the English international to the Etihad.