Elliot Anderson remains Manchester City's top transfer target this summer as the club evaluates a third offer for the England international. The Blues saw a second bid, totaling £120 million, rejected by Nottingham Forest this week. That offer comprised an initial £106 million with add-ons making up the remaining £14 million.
Forest's Stance
Forest and owner Evangelos Marinakis are believed to be holding out for a larger upfront fee for the 23-year-old, who is under contract at the City Ground until the summer of 2029. Forest believes that the £100 million-plus fees paid for Declan Rice, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo in recent years indicate Anderson's value. They harbor hopes of attracting a British record figure, eclipsing the £125 million Liverpool paid Newcastle United for Alexander Isak last summer.
City's Strategy
City remains keen on Anderson and has identified the former Newcastle man as their main summer priority. However, the Blues are prepared to play a waiting game rather than get dragged into a bidding war with Forest. Anderson is understood to favor a move to the Etihad, and Manchester United has scaled back its interest in the midfielder after balking at the asking price. This leaves City as the only real suitors for the player. While Forest could continue to play hardball over a fee, there is the prospect of finding common ground in the coming weeks.
World Cup Impact
Anderson's participation in the World Cup means a deal is unlikely to be signed and sealed in the coming weeks given England's schedule. However, City and Forest could still agree on a fee and the terms of a transfer. The Blues also have other midfield targets, with a keen interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, and could opt to move on from Anderson and pursue alternatives. But for now, City remains firmly in play for the Forest man, and there remains confidence that a deal can be struck.
Anderson's Career
Anderson cost Forest £35 million when he joined from Newcastle in 2024 and has impressed since moving to the Midlands. He has become one of the Premier League's hottest properties and cemented his spot in the England team. He is set to partner Declan Rice in the middle of Thomas Tuchel's midfield when the Three Lions kick off their campaign against Croatia on Wednesday night. City is keen to strengthen in midfield following the departure of Bernardo Silva, while there remains a degree of uncertainty around Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, and Mateo Kovacic.
