Manchester City are plotting an aggressive summer midfield overhaul, and their sights are now set on both Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. The Premier League champions are prepared to rival Tottenham Hotspur for Tonali while pushing ahead with a record-breaking deal for Anderson as they rebuild for incoming head coach Enzo Maresca.
With Pep Guardiola stepping down after the 2025/26 season, and Bernardo Silva already departed for Real Madrid on a free transfer, the need for elite midfield reinforcements has become urgent. City are understood to be exploring the possibility of signing both Tonali and Anderson in the same window, a move that would signal a transformative new era at the Etihad.
City Preparing for Life After Guardiola with Major Midfield Moves
Tonali has been a long-term target for City, but until recently it was unclear whether they would pursue the Italy international and Anderson simultaneously. Now, Sky Sports News understands the club is keen on doing deals for both. The 26-year-old Newcastle midfielder, contracted until 2029 without a release clause, would command a huge fee—especially given the Magpies' reluctance to sell.
City have already had one bid rejected for Anderson, with Nottingham Forest holding out for a fee north of £100 million that could eclipse the £125m Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer. Talks are ongoing, and City view the 23-year-old as a cornerstone of Maresca's project, alongside potential additions at striker and right-back. Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi and Feyenoord's Givairo Read are among other names being monitored, while back-up goalkeeper James Trafford's future remains uncertain.
Tottenham Plotting Ambitious Tonali Capture for De Zerbi Revolution
Spurs have identified Tonali as their marquee signing of the summer, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi desperate to add technical quality and a midfielder who can dictate play. After steering the club away from relegation, De Zerbi has been given significant backing, and a move for Tonali would underline Tottenham's commitment to his rebuild.
However, Newcastle's strong position—no release clause and a deal running to 2029—means any suitor will have to pay a premium. The Magpies have already lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69m and are determined not to lose another star without a fight. Spurs have already bolstered their ranks with free-agent signings Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, plus an agreed £52m deal for Jan Paul van Hecke, but Tonali remains the priority—and interest from City complicates matters.
The Elliot Anderson Factor and Market Ripple Effects
City's pursuit of Anderson is expected to have a knock-on effect across the market. If Forest succeed in extracting a British-record fee, it will raise the benchmark for homegrown midfield talent and could drive Tonali's price even higher. City's willingness to spend heavily on two midfielders in one window illustrates the scale of the overhaul needed, especially with Rodri also linked with a possible move to Real Madrid.
The Anderson deal, likely to be structured with significant add-ons, is seen as a statement signing that would give Maresca a dynamic, homegrown core. Meanwhile, Spurs must decide whether to engage in a bidding war for Tonali or pivot to secondary targets if City firm up their interest.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester City are exploring a double midfield swoop for Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson, which could transform their squad under new boss Enzo Maresca.
- Tottenham Hotspur have made Tonali their marquee target but now face stiff competition from the champions, with Newcastle under no pressure to sell.
- The Anderson fee is expected to exceed £100m and could break the British transfer record, setting a new benchmark for midfield valuations.
- City's need is acute after Bernardo Silva's free transfer to Real Madrid and the potential departure of Rodri, forcing them to act aggressively.
- Spurs' ambitious rebuild under De Zerbi already includes several signings, but landing Tonali would be the clearest signal yet of their intent.
Quick Facts
Tonali Contract: Signed in 2024, runs until 2029; no release clause.
Anderson Valuation: Nottingham Forest demanding more than £100m; City had initial bid rejected.
Silva Exit: Bernardo Silva joined Real Madrid on a free transfer on 17 June, 2026.
Maresca Appointment: Expected to take over at City after compensation is resolved.
Spurs Manager: Roberto De Zerbi, who guided Tottenham to Premier League safety last season.
Summer Deals: Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona for £69m; Spurs have signed Robertson, Senesi, and agreed van Hecke deal.