Manchester City have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer, according to Sky Sports News. The 23-year-old England international, who joined Forest from Newcastle United for £35 million in July 2024, is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, but well-placed sources increasingly believe a move to the Etihad is the most likely outcome.
Key Takeaways
- Pole position: City are leading the chase for Anderson, with Manchester United and Arsenal also keen.
- Midfield rebuild: Bernardo Silva is set to leave on a free transfer in June, while the futures of Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez are uncertain.
- Rodri stay? Real Madrid are circling Rodri, but City are desperate to keep him and extend his contract, which runs until 2027.
- Attacking targets: City are also monitoring RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.
- Right-back watch: Feyenoord's Givairo Read is among the defensive prospects being tracked.
Anderson's Profile and Price Tag
Anderson's contract at the City Ground runs until June 2029, and his valuation is expected to be substantial. He is part of a highly sought-after group of elite central midfielders likely to be available this summer, including Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and potentially Aurelian Tchouameni. City admire how Anderson has developed since his move from Newcastle, and relations between the two clubs are described as excellent (Sky Sports).
Midfield Overhaul on the Horizon
There could be significant changes in City's engine room this summer. Bernardo Silva's departure has already been confirmed when his contract expires in June. Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez face uncertain futures, while Real Madrid are keen on Rodri. However, City are determined to keep the Spaniard and are pushing for a new contract. Anderson, who is expected to play a prominent role for Thomas Tuchel's England at the World Cup, could be seen as both a long-term partner and a rotational option for Rodri.
Anderson vs. Rodri: Why Not Both?
Sky Sports' Laura Hunter argues that comparing Anderson directly to Rodri misses the point. Anderson is a relentless ball-winner—he leads the Premier League in duels won (270) and is the third-most prolific tackler in the division. Rodri, by contrast, is more passive defensively because City dominate possession, but he is elite at distributing under pressure and recycling possession. Since his ACL injury, Rodri has carried the ball less, while Anderson excels at driving forward. A Rodri-Anderson partnership could offer both steel and creativity, though Anderson must avoid the fate of other high-profile midfielders who struggled under Pep Guardiola, such as Kalvin Phillips and Matheus Nunes.
Attacking and Defensive Targets
City are also looking to bolster their forward line. Sky Sports News can reveal that RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi are on their list. Diomande is one of the hottest prospects on the market, also attracting Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Kroupi has impressed since his move to Bournemouth, scoring 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances. City are well-stocked up front with Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Omar Marmoush, but they are monitoring options. At right-back, Feyenoord's Givairo Read is among the young talents being tracked.
Infographic: Anderson's Key Stats (2024/25 Premier League)
- Duels won: 270 (league high)
- Tackles: 3rd most in the division
- Age: 23
- Contract: Until June 2029
- Transfer fee paid by Forest: £35m
- Likely destination: Manchester City
