Manchester City appear to be the frontrunner in the race to acquire Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this coming summer, according to sources at Sky Sports News. The club is listed among several high‑profile suitors, which also include Manchester United and Arsenal, and insiders are increasingly convinced that the 23‑year‑old England international is destined for the Etihad Stadium. Anderson, who joined Forest from Newcastle United in July 2024 for a reported £35 million, has quickly become a hot commodity for a number of Premier League heavyweights. His performances have drawn attention from clubs seeking to bolster their midfield options, and the question now is whether a transfer can be finalized before the World Cup or whether the deal will be concluded afterward, when Anderson is expected to feature prominently for Thomas Tuchel’s England side.
The midfielder’s current contract with Forest runs until June 2029, which means his market value is likely to be substantial. He belongs to a cohort of elite central midfielders projected to be on the move in the next transfer window, a group that includes the likes of Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and possibly Aurelian Tchouameni. City’s scouting department has praised Anderson’s development since his arrival at the City Ground, noting that his growth has exceeded expectations and that relations between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest remain strong. The potential arrival of Anderson could coincide with a period of transition in City’s midfield, as the futures of Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez remain uncertain, while it has already been confirmed that Bernardo Silva will depart when his contract expires in June.
Beyond the midfield, City are also monitoring other positions. Sky Sports reports that the club 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, attracting interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich and other top clubs. Kroupi, meanwhile, has impressed with Bournemouth, scoring 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances since his arrival last summer.
In attack, City already possess a deep roster, with Savinho supporting Jeremy Doku on the left wing and Omar Marmoush acting as a backup centre‑forward to Erling Haaland. Nevertheless, the club is still evaluating options to ensure depth and competition across the forward line. Defensively, the right‑back position is also under review.
Sky Sports has highlighted that City are tracking the progress of young Feyenoord defender Givairo Read among other prospects. Laura Hunter of Sky Sports draws a natural comparison between Anderson and City’s current midfield anchor, Rodri. While both players share the profile of a central midfielder who can dominate the middle third, their roles differ due to the tactical demands of their respective teams. Anderson is renowned for his tenacity and tackling ability – he ranks as the third‑most prolific tackler in the Premier League and has won an impressive 270 duels, more than double Rodri’s total of 106.
In contrast, Rodri excels in ball distribution and possession retention, boasting one of the highest pass‑completion rates in Europe and an ability to recycle possession under pressure. Since his ACL injury last season, Rodri has become more conservative in his forward runs, a trait where Anderson’s dynamism could complement the team. The potential partnership between Rodri and Anderson offers City a versatile midfield engine. Anderson’s high work rate, defensive aggression and ability to carry the ball could provide a balance to Rodri’s more measured, possession‑based approach.
However, the club must also consider past examples of high‑profile midfield signings that have struggled to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s system, such as Kalvin Phillips, whose tenure at the Etihad did not meet expectations. Another case is Matheus Nunes, who was forced to transition to a full‑back role to remain in Guardiola’s plans, a shift that did not suit his preferences. If City can secure Anderson, they would add a player who not only brings defensive solidity but also the stamina and ball‑carrying capability to support rapid transitions.
His availability – being six years younger than Rodri – also adds a long‑term dimension to the squad’s midfield depth. Beyond the immediate transfer narrative, the broader context includes Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri, although City are keen to retain him with a new contract before his current deal expires in 2027.
The summer window promises to be busy for the Premier League giants, with multiple targets across midfield, attack and defense being monitored. In summary, Manchester City’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson reflects their ambition to reinforce a midfield that may see changes in the coming months. By potentially pairing Anderson’s aggressive, ball‑winning style with Rodri’s composure and passing precision, the club could create a dynamic duo capable of dominating both defensive duties and forward thrusts. Whether the deal materialises before the World Cup or after, Anderson’s move to the Etihad would represent a significant acquisition for a side looking to maintain its competitive edge on multiple fronts.