Manchester City identify ‘strong option’ instead of Elliot Anderson amid huge financial demands | OneFootball

A new name elsewhere in the Premier League has emerged as a ‘strong option’ for Manchester City this summer, should a deal for Elliot Anderson prove too difficult.

With incoming manager Enzo Maresca and his senior coaching staff currently being finalised, Hugo Viana has shifted his immediate attention to replacing the output lost following Bernardo Silva’s exit.

While the club has been operating fluidly across multiple fronts – including the aim of securing support at right-back for Matheus Nunes and dismissing talk from Madrid regarding Erling Haaland – acquiring an elite central name ahead of the summer remains paramount.

City heavily favour a blockbuster raid on the East Midlands, identifying Nottingham Forest‘s England World Cup star as the ultimate long-term central anchor, however those at the City Ground will likely stand firm on their expectance of selling for more than £100 million.

With Forest adopting an uncompromising financial stance that threatens to stall dialogue, Manchester City have seemingly reactivated a long-standing interest in Tyneside’s premier central star.

Man City’s Elliot Anderson alternative revealed

Now, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, while Manchester City remain in talks for Elliot Anderson after a first bid was rejected by Nottingham Forest, those at the City Ground want more than £100 million for the Englishman.

However, it is now confirmed that Newcastle United and Italy international Sandro Tonali is emerging as a ‘strong option’ for City if a move for Anderson cannot be completed this summer.

One potential issue with regards to the St James’ Park star is the presence of Premier League champions Arsenal, who are also keen on Tonali.

The financial logistics of Man City’s midfield transfer hunt

The pivot to Sandro Tonali marks a calculation by Hugo Viana to ensure the club enters the pre-season phase with either options to secure in August, or ahead of their tour of the Far-East starting in late July.

The 26-year-old Italian international offers technicality, tactical flexibility, and high-intensity defensive metrics that could mirror Enzo Maresca’s philosophy and requirements in what will be a key position for the club.

Etihad Stadium executives are likely to believe that a deal for the former AC Milan star can be brokered for a more realistic fee than the potentially prohibitive £100 million premium demanded for Elliot Anderson.