Manchester City set for Evangelos Marinakis talks over £65M Elliot Anderson transfer | OneFootball

Manchester City are growing optimistic that they can convince Elliot Anderson to join the club this summer, as per reports.

The update represents a significant development in City’s pursuit of the Nottingham Forest midfielder, with previous reports suggesting the Blues’ ability to invest in Anderson this summer was partly contingent on whether they could retain their Ballon d’Or winner beyond the end of the season.

Anderson has been Manchester City’s primary midfield target for several months, with director of football Hugo Viana and manager Pep Guardiola understood to be significant admirers of the 23-year-old, who is believed to have indicated that the Etihad Stadium is his preferred destination this summer.

It was reported last week that City had begun negotiations with Anderson’s camp amid a belief at the Etihad Stadium that the Blues have won the race for the midfielder’s signature for a fee in the region of £65 million – a significant reduction from the £100-120 million asking price Forest had previously set.

Report: City optimistic on Anderson regardless of Rodri talks

As reported by talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, Manchester City are optimistic about persuading Anderson to make the move to the Etihad Stadium this summer and are willing to proceed with a deal even if Rodri commits his future to the club by signing a new contract.

The willingness to invest in Anderson independently of Rodri’s situation underlines the extent of City’s ambition in the upcoming window and the priority Viana has placed on midfield reinforcement regardless of what else unfolds at the Etihad Stadium this summer.

It has also been mentioned that Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis will personally oversee any exit for Anderson this summer, adding a significant layer of complexity to what is already shaping up to be one of the most high-profile transfers of the window.

Marinakis’ direct involvement is likely to ensure Forest drive the hardest possible bargain for their most prized asset, with the Greek-Cypriot tycoon known for his hands-on approach to transfer business at the City Ground.

Anderson has previously deflected questions on his future, insisting his focus remains on England‘s FIFA World Cup campaign this summer, though the direction of travel behind the scenes is increasingly clear.

What does this mean for City’s summer window?

City’s readiness to move for Anderson independently of Rodri’s contract situation suggests Viana is planning for a significant midfield overhaul regardless of the Spaniard’s decision.

Club captain Bernardo Silva is set to leave as a free agent in June, while Mateo Kovacic also faces an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium as the Blues navigate what promises to be one of their busiest summers in recent memory.

Anderson’s potential arrival would represent a marquee statement of intent from Viana, who has been conducting succession planning across multiple positions ahead of the summer transfer window.

With the 23-year-old understood to favour City over Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham, the pieces appear to be falling into place – provided Marinakis and City can agree on a fee that satisfies both parties.