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 capital club joins a shortlist of elite Premier League sides, including Manchester United and Arsenal, that have expressed genuine interest in the 23‑year‑old England international. As negotiations progress, many insiders are increasingly convinced that Anderson’s next destination will be the Etihad Stadium.
Anderson, who arrived at Forest from Newcastle United in July 2024 for a reported £35 million, has quickly become one of the most coveted central midfielders in England. His blend of tenacity, ball‑winning ability and composure on the ball has attracted the attention of several top‑flight clubs, and his performances have sparked speculation about a possible move before the 2026 World Cup, where he is expected to feature prominently for manager Thomas Tuchel’s England side. The midfielder is currently tied to Forest until June 2029, but his market value is projected to rise sharply. He is part of a new generation of high‑calibre midfielders who could be on the move in the next transfer window, a group that also includes the likes of Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and potentially Aurelian Tchouaméni.
This makes him a strategic target for clubs looking to bolster their engine room with youthful yet experienced talent. City’s scouting department has praised Anderson’s development since his switch from Newcastle, noting that his work‑rate and defensive contributions have markedly improved. Relations between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest are reportedly strong, which could smooth the path for any potential deal.
However, there remain several variables that could affect the timing of the transfer, such as the outcome of the World Cup and the club’s ongoing midfield restructuring. The summer of 2025 could see significant changes in City’s midfield composition. Uncertainty surrounds the futures of current squad members Mateo Kovačić and Nico González, while long‑serving midfielder Bernardo Silva is set to depart when his contract expires in June.
These developments may open up a slot for a player of Anderson’s profile, who offers both defensive solidity and the ability to drive forward with the ball. Beyond Anderson, City are reportedly monitoring a range of other positions. 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 hottest young prospects on the market, attracting interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich and other European heavyweights. Kroupi, meanwhile, has impressed with 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth and is seen as a promising forward option. In the attacking department, City already possess depth, with Savinho providing support to Jeremy Doku on the left flank and Omar Marmoush serving as a backup striker behind Erling Haaland.
Nevertheless, the club continues to explore options to maintain competition and cover across the front line. Defensively, City are also keeping tabs on emerging talent, including young Feyenoord defender Givairo Read, as part of a broader strategy to refresh the right‑back position. 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 diverge due to the differing tactical demands of their teams. Anderson is renowned for his aggressive tackling – he ranks among the top three in the division for successful tackles – and his impressive duel‑winning record, having claimed 270 duels, more than double Rodri’s 106.
In contrast, Rodri excels in ball retention and distribution under pressure, boasting one of the highest pass‑completion rates in Europe. The contrast also extends to their offensive contributions.
Anderson frequently carries the ball forward, a trait that has become increasingly valuable for a City side that often dominates possession but occasionally needs a player capable of advancing from deep. Rodri, after returning from an ACL injury, has become more conservative with his forward runs, focusing instead on orchestrating play from a deeper position.
Both players bring different strengths to the table, and a potential partnership could give Pep Guardiola a versatile midfield configuration. Anderson’s youth – he is six years younger than Rodri – adds a dimension of durability and long‑term planning. However, Guardiola must also consider the risk of past high‑profile signings that have struggled to adapt to City’s system, such as Kalvin Phillips, whose tenure did not meet expectations.
Another cautionary example is Matheus Nunes, who was forced to transition to a full‑back role to secure playing time, highlighting Guardiola’s willingness to repurpose players but also the challenges that can arise when a midfielder’s natural position is altered. In summary, Manchester City are aggressively positioning themselves to secure Elliot Anderson, viewing him as a potential cornerstone of a refreshed midfield that balances defensive grit with progressive ball play.
While the club continues to scout for reinforcements across the pitch, the acquisition of Anderson could represent a key piece in Guardiola’s long‑term blueprint, provided the transfer can be finalized in time for the upcoming season and the World Cup commitments.