Manchester City appear to be the frontrunner in the pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this coming summer, according to sources close to Sky Sports News. The Blues are among a shortlist of elite Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal, that have expressed interest in the 23‑year‑old England international, but insiders now suggest that a move to the Etihad is becoming increasingly likely.
Anderson, who joined Forest from Newcastle United in July 2024 for a reported £35 million, has quickly become a hot commodity. His performances in the midfield have drawn the attention of several top‑flight teams, and his contract with the City Ground runs until June 2029, guaranteeing that any suitor will have to meet a substantial valuation. The midfielder is part of a broader cohort of highly rated central players expected to be on the market in the next transfer window, a group that includes the likes of Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and possibly Aurelian Tchouaméni.
The timing of a potential transfer remains uncertain, as it could be negotiated either before the upcoming World Cup or in the aftermath of the tournament, where Anderson is projected to feature prominently for England under manager Thomas Tuchel. His role in the national side could further inflate his market price and make the decision of when to move even more strategic for both player and club. City’s scouting department has praised Anderson’s development since his arrival at Forest.
The relationship between the two clubs is reportedly strong, which could smooth the negotiation process. Meanwhile, the Blues are also contemplating changes in their own midfield roster.
The futures of Mateo Kovačić and Nico González are still in flux, and Bernardo Silva has already confirmed that he will depart when his contract expires in June. This creates a clear opening for a player of Anderson’s profile, who combines aggressive tackling with a high work rate. Beyond the midfield, Manchester City are actively evaluating options across the squad. Sky Sports News has identified two additional targets: RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.
Diomande is regarded as one of the most exciting young attacking talents on the market, attracting interest from clubs such as Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Kroupi, meanwhile, impressed in his debut season with Bournemouth, netting 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances, and could provide depth behind Erling Haaland. In the defensive line, the club is also monitoring young Feyenoord full‑back Givairo Read, among others, to bolster the right‑back position. While City already have a well‑stocked attack—with Savinho complementing Jeremy Doku on the left wing and Omar Marmoush serving as a backup centre‑forward—the addition of versatile players could give Pep Guardiola additional tactical flexibility.
Analyst Laura Hunter from Sky Sports draws a direct comparison between Anderson and City’s current midfield anchor, Rodri. Both players share the archetype of a deep‑lying midfielder who can break up opposition play, yet their responsibilities differ due to the distinct styles of their teams. Anderson is noted for his tenacity; he ranks as the third‑most prolific tackler in the Premier League and has won 270 duels this season, more than double Rodri’s tally of 106. Conversely, Rodri excels in ball retention and distribution under pressure, boasting one of the highest pass‑completion rates in Europe and a remarkable ability to recycle possession.
Since recovering from an ACL injury, Rodri has become more conservative in his forward runs, a trait that contrasts with Anderson’s willingness to carry the ball into attacking zones. Moreover, Anderson’s availability—he is six years younger than the Spaniard—adds another layer of appeal for a squad that values depth and rotation. The potential for a Rodri‑Anderson partnership is intriguing. The two could be deployed together in a double‑pivot, offering City a blend of defensive solidity and dynamic ball progression, or they could rotate to keep both players fresh throughout a congested season.
However, past experiences caution against assuming a seamless transition. Midfielders such as Kalvin Phillips have struggled to adapt to City’s system after high‑profile transfers, while Matheus Nunes was forced to reinvent himself as a full‑back to remain in Pep’s plans. If Anderson does join Manchester City, he will need to navigate the expectations that come with playing for a club accustomed to domestic and European success.
His proven ability to win duels, cover ground, and contribute to both defensive and offensive phases suggests he possesses the toolkit required for the role. Yet, the adaptation will also hinge on his willingness to integrate into Guardiola’s intricate tactical framework, which demands high positional awareness and technical proficiency. In summary, the convergence of Anderson’s contract length, his impressive statistical output, and the evolving needs of Manchester City’s midfield make the transfer a logical next step for both parties.
While the exact timing—pre‑World Cup or post‑tournament—remains to be confirmed, the narrative points toward a summer move that could see the English international swap the City Ground for the Etihad, potentially reshaping the midfield dynamics of one of Europe’s most dominant clubs. For ongoing updates on this story and other transfer developments, follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp and stay tuned for the latest videos, analyses, and breaking news.