Manchester City have agreed a club-record £116 million deal for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, which is expected to be confirmed in the coming days. However, the Premier League champions are not stopping there and are actively pursuing further reinforcements in midfield.
Anderson Arrival Fills Silva Void
Anderson's arrival will help fill the gap created by Bernardo Silva's departure after nine years at the Etihad. The 23-year-old is seen as a ready-made Premier League performer, but City are keen to add another high-profile midfielder this summer.
Tonali or Bouaddi: The Choice
City are interested in Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi. Tonali, an Italian international, has proven himself in the Premier League and Champions League with consistent performances. His passing range and positional sense make him an attractive option, though he lacks a goalscoring instinct—he failed to score in the Premier League last season. Newcastle are seeking £100 million for Tonali, and Tottenham have had an opening bid rejected. Spurs have since struck a deal for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes but are still monitoring Tonali.
Bouaddi, a 19-year-old Moroccan, has emerged as a breakout star at the World Cup. His performances for Lille in Ligue 1 and the Champions League—including a standout display against Real Madrid on his 17th birthday—have drawn interest from Europe's top clubs. Valued at £85 million, Lille may lower the fee if Bouaddi returns on loan for the 2026-27 season. He is known for his attacking instincts, work-rate, and box-to-box ability, though he has yet to score at senior level.
Potential vs. Impact
The decision between Tonali and Bouaddi hinges on immediate impact versus future potential. Given Anderson's arrival as a ready-made Premier League player, Bouaddi appears the better long-term bet, especially if City can negotiate a lower fee and allow him to develop at Lille on loan. Bouaddi has shown at the World Cup that he has what it takes and is a player too good to overlook.
