- Man City are in ‘pole position’ to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest
- Midfielder is focused on helping Forest avoid relegation in the final weeks of the season
- City have been widely reported as Anderson’s preferred destination this summer
Manchester City want to sign one world-class midfielder this summer as they plan for life beyond departing captain Bernardo Silva.
Elliot Anderson has been City’s primary midfield target for the summer window for some time, with director of football Hugo Viana identifying the Newcastle-born midfielder as the ideal profile to help fill the void left by Silva’s upcoming departure from the Etihad Stadium.
Forest’s precarious league position adds an unusual dimension to proceedings. Vitor Pereira‘s side are currently battling to preserve their Premier League status, meaning Anderson himself is unlikely to be drawn into transfer discussions in the coming weeks – with survival the only priority at the City Ground until the final whistle of the season.
Nottingham Forest eyeing Premier League record sale for Elliot Anderson ahead of formal Manchester City talks
Report: City in pole position for Anderson
As reported by Sky Sports News, Manchester City are in ‘pole position’ to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest despite the midfielder being focused on avoiding relegation to the EFL Championship in the final weeks of the Premier League campaign.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed negotiations with Anderson’s camp had begun earlier this year, while a separate report indicated Anderson personally prefers a move to the Etihad Stadium over approaches from other clubs – a preference that has clearly helped City establish their leading position in the race for the midfielder.
What would Anderson bring to Manchester City?
Anderson’s profile addresses a specific and urgent need at the Etihad Stadium. The 23-year-old offers box-to-box dynamism, an eye for goal and the kind of pressing intensity that Guardiola prizes highly – qualities that have been somewhat lacking in City’s midfield during a transitional season that has seen them lean heavily on Rodri and the outgoing Silva.
Nottingham Forest had been reported to be seeking a Premier League record sale fee for Anderson, with figures in the region of £65-100 million having been cited across various reports.
Whether Forest’s final asking price is shaped by their end-of-season Premier League status -and the financial implications that come with it – remains one of the more intriguing subplots of what is shaping up to be a consequential summer for all parties.
