Manchester City are leading the race to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with the Premier League giants increasingly confident of completing a major summer deal.
The 23-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in England following an impressive season, attracting strong interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
However, according to recent reports, Man City are in pole position as the summer transfer window approaches.
Man City push ahead in transfer race
City’s interest in Anderson is part of a broader plan to refresh their midfield options.
With uncertainty surrounding the futures of key players such as Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, Rodri and the departure of Bernardo Silva in June, the club see Anderson as a long-term successor capable of fitting into their system.
Reports suggest a deal could reach as high as £100 million, underlining both the player’s rising value and Forest’s strong negotiating position.
Anderson only joined the club in 2024 and remains under a long-term contract, meaning any sale would likely require a record-breaking fee.
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United and Arsenal facing setback
While United have identified Anderson as a key midfield target, they are increasingly preparing for the possibility of missing out.
The club are already exploring alternative options as part of a planned squad rebuild.
Arsenal have also shown interest, but like United, they appear to be trailing behind City in the race, not just in the Premier League title race.
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Anderson’s rise continues
Anderson’s rapid development has been a major factor behind the intense transfer battle.
Since leaving Newcastle United, he has established himself as a consistent performer in the Premier League and has also broken into the England national team setup.
Despite the speculation, the midfielder has publicly remained focused on his current responsibilities, insisting that his priority is performing for both club and country.
With multiple top clubs monitoring his situation, Anderson is expected to be one of the headline names of the summer transfer window.
As things stand, Manchester City appear to hold the advantage, but with significant interest across the Premier League, the situation could still develop in the coming months.
