Manchester City have identified Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as one of their leading targets for the forthcoming summer transfer window, according to fresh reports, with the England international emerging as a priority in Pep Guardiola’s plans to reshape his midfield.
The Sky Blues are expected to oversee a significant review of options in the centre of the park at the end of the campaign, after what has been described internally as an uneven and transitional season in that department.
While City remain competitive across competitions, questions over depth, fitness and long-term balance have placed renewed focus on recruitment.
Midfield has arguably been Manchester City’s most unsettled squad department this season, with Ballon d’Or winning star Rodri going through the motions of a transitional term following his return from a lengthy ACL lay-off.
Rodri’s influence remains unquestioned at the Etihad Stadium. However, the physical demands of returning from a serious knee injury have required careful management.
The Spain international has gradually increased his minutes, but City’s reliance on him has once again underlined the need for trusted alternatives capable of maintaining standards when rotation is required.
Nico Gonzalez proved to be a capable deputy for Rodri in the first half of the season but the 24-year-old has struggled for fitness and minutes in 2026, with his compatriot and Manchester City’s first-choice holding midfielder getting more game time in the locker.
That situation has sharpened attention on the summer market. It is in this context that Anderson’s name has risen to the top of City’s internal shortlist.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a rapid ascent at Nottingham Forest, developing into one of the Premier League’s most dynamic midfielders. His energy, technical assurance and tactical intelligence have drawn widespread praise, not least from some of the division’s most senior coaching figures.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has established himself as one of the best players in England after a breakthrough few seasons at the City Ground, with the best sides in the Premier League set to tussle for his signature at the end of the season.
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City are understood to be among those leading the race, although any potential deal is unlikely to be straightforward. Anderson remains under long-term contract on Trentside, placing Forest in a position of strength should formal approaches materialise.
With the Englishman’s current deal running till 2029, Forest will slap a significant asking price for one of their most prized assets and encourage a bidding war for Anderson, who is leading Manchester City’s midfield wishlist heading into the summer.
Reports suggest that Manchester United are also monitoring developments closely, setting the stage for a potential derby tussle in the transfer market.
Meanwhile, the upcoming summer could see Anderson – alongside Arsenal’s Declan Rice – form the heart of England’s midfield under Thomas Tuchel at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Such exposure on the global stage would only increase Anderson’s market value. Forest, for their part, are likely to keep a close eye on his international involvement.
A strong showing for the Three Lions could strengthen their negotiating position should suitors test their resolve.
