Manchester City are preparing to make what Fabrizio Romano describes as a “very important” financial and sporting proposal to Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the club positioning themselves firmly at the front of what is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most contested midfield transfers. Sky Sports News has reported that well-placed sources increasingly believe Anderson’s next destination is the Etihad, though nothing has been finalised and Forest are yet to receive any formal approach from any club.
The 23-year-old England international has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, with his work rate, pressing intensity, and comfort in possession making him a target for virtually every major club in the country. He joined Forest from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024 for £35 million, a fee that looks increasingly like one of the decade’s better bits of business given the way he has developed. His contract runs to 2029, meaning Forest hold all the leverage in negotiations.
City’s urgent need for midfield reinforcement is driving the pace of this saga. Bernardo Silva’s departure at the end of June is already confirmed, while uncertainty surrounds the futures of both Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez, two signings who have failed to nail down regular starts under Pep Guardiola. The manager has relied heavily on Rodri and the ageing framework around him, but a generational midfield overhaul is now clearly overdue. Anderson, in Guardiola’s eyes, appears to represent the kind of engine-room anchor the team can build around for the next decade.
Arsenal had been circling as a rival bidder, with some sources suggesting the Gunners could offer a compelling alternative given Martin Zubimendi’s declining form in the second half of the season. Declan Rice has had to shoulder an enormous workload at the Emirates, and Anderson would theoretically solve the rotation depth issue. However, the weight of evidence now points toward City having effectively priced Arsenal out of a realistic chance at signing him.
Manchester United remain a lurking presence. The Red Devils reportedly view Anderson as their ideal midfield addition and have not given up hope, particularly given that Casemiro’s exit is confirmed and Manuel Ugarte is expected to be available for the right offer. But City’s financial and sporting package is believed to be considerably more attractive at this stage, and Anderson has previously been reported to favour a move to the Etihad over Old Trafford.
Forest will demand a significant premium over what they paid for Anderson less than two years ago, with valuations across various reports ranging from £87.5 million to well above £100 million. The arrival of the World Cup adds complexity: a standout performance for England this summer would almost certainly force all suitors to revise their bids upward. City’s calculation is that moving decisively now, before the tournament begins, is the smartest route to getting the deal done at a price that still makes sense.