Manchester City have made their first attempt to sign Elliot Anderson, but Nottingham Forest have rejected the proposal. The Premier League champions are intensifying their search for a successor to Bernardo Silva, who is preparing to leave the club, and Anderson has emerged as a leading target.
The England international has been on City’s radar for some time, and the club is regarded as the frontrunner in the race for his signature. Interest has also come from Manchester United, although City remain in a strong position as they continue their pursuit of the former Newcastle United player.
Forest place huge valuation on Anderson
Nottingham Forest are under no immediate pressure to sell Anderson, who still has three years remaining on his current contract at the City Ground. As a result, the club is believed to have placed a valuation of at least £100 million on the midfielder.
That figure would place Anderson among the most expensive midfielders in Premier League history. Only a handful of players in his position have commanded nine-figure transfer fees, highlighting the scale of Forest’s demands.
Record fees provide market context
Recent seasons have seen several midfielders move for enormous sums. Chelsea set a British transfer record when they signed Enzo Fernandez before later surpassing that amount to acquire Moises Caicedo. Arsenal also invested heavily, spending £105 million to bring in Declan Rice.
Manchester City’s own transfer record remains the £100 million paid for Jack Grealish in 2021. The club has also committed around £430 million on new arrivals across the last three transfer windows, underlining its willingness to invest in the squad.
Midfield uncertainty adds to City’s plans
Silva’s confirmed exit is not the only issue facing City in midfield. Questions also remain regarding the futures of several other players in that area of the team.
Rodri has stated that discussions about his long-term plans will take place after the World Cup, while reports have linked him with a potential switch to Real Madrid. There is also uncertainty surrounding Nico Gonzalez, with doubts over whether he will remain at the club.
Meanwhile, Michael Carrick is expected to begin his summer recruitment drive by completing a £35 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.