Manchester City Ready to Offer £100 Million for Nottingham Forest Midfielder Elliot Anderson

Manchester City are preparing a blockbuster summer swoop for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, with sources indicating the Premier League champions are willing to push their bid as high as £100 million to secure the 23-year-old midfielder. According to a TeamTalk report, early discussions have already opened with Anderson’s representatives, signalling a proactive move designed to beat anticipated rival offers.

Anderson, who joined Forest from Newcastle United for £35 million in 2024, has rapidly evolved into one of the division’s most dynamic midfielders, catching City’s eye with his energy, tactical intelligence and positional versatility. Etihad scouts believe the England-age-group international can slot seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s possession-centric system while also offering long-term durability across multiple midfield roles.

The potential outlay—estimated between £80 million and £100 million—underlines the club’s determination to act swiftly. City hierarchy view Anderson as a strategic acquisition rather than a reactionary purchase, aligning with their tradition of identifying elite potential before market competition intensifies.

Guardiola, whose contract runs until 2027, is said to personally admire Anderson’s ability to interpret space and tempo, yet the move is not being framed solely around the Catalan’s future. Well-placed voices continue to suggest this season is “highly likely” to be Guardiola’s last, prompting City to draw up contingency plans. Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca and Cesc Fabregas have all been placed on an internal shortlist should a managerial transition occur, and players throughout the squad are reportedly excited by the prospect of working under any of the trio.

Anderson shares that enthusiasm, with the report claiming the midfielder is intrigued by the possibility of featuring in a refreshed City era led by either Alonso or Fabregas. While Manchester United have also monitored his progress, their focus has shifted towards Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton, reducing direct competition for his signature.

For now, Anderson’s immediate priority remains aiding Forest’s battle against relegation and securing a place in England’s World Cup squad, yet City’s groundwork indicates a deal could progress rapidly once the campaign concludes. The club’s recruitment model—built on succession planning rather than short-term fixes—positions Anderson as an ideal candidate to anchor the midfield for the next decade.

City supporters have grown accustomed to such foresight. Anderson’s blend of Premier League experience, tactical discipline and untapped upside mirrors previous successes unearthed by the club’s scouting network. Whether Guardiola stays or steps away, the pursuit of the Forest star sends a clear message: the Etihad outfit intend to remain at the pinnacle of English football by investing in players who embody their technical ethos and cultural standards.

Elliot Anderson may not yet be a household name across global football, but history shows City have a knack for transforming precisely that profile into superstar quality. If all parties reach an agreement, the £100 million valuation could soon look like another masterstroke of planning rather than a lavish splurge.