Report: Man City ready to pay £100m to sign Premier League star | OneFootball

Man City line up midfield move as long term planning gathers pace

Manchester City’s transfer strategy is rarely reactive, and this summer is shaping up to be another example of pre emptive planning at the Etihad. According to a report from TeamTalk, City are preparing a major move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, a player they believe fits both immediate and future requirements in the engine room.

The 23 year old has impressed since his £35 million move from Newcastle United in 2024, quickly establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most energetic and tactically flexible midfielders. TeamTalk report that City view Anderson as a natural long term addition, capable of operating across multiple midfield roles while maintaining intensity in and out of possession.

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Sources close to the Etihad suggest a potential fee in the region of £80 to £100 million, with early contact already made with the player’s representatives. That level of investment underlines City’s intent to move decisively, particularly with rival interest expected to develop as the summer approaches.

Guardiola future frames recruitment thinking

Any major City move this summer inevitably sits against the backdrop of Pep Guardiola and his long term future. While his contract runs until 2027, TeamTalk reiterate that well placed voices continue to indicate this season is “highly likely” to be his last in charge, a claim they previously revealed earlier this month.

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City insiders will not publicly confirm Guardiola’s plans, but it is clear that succession planning is underway. The report outlines a shortlist of three potential successors should a transition be required. Xabi Alonso is admired for his tactical innovation and work at Leverkusen, Enzo Maresca brings familiarity through previous City coaching ties, while Cesc Fabregas has impressed with his work at Como in Serie A.

Crucially, Guardiola himself is said to admire Anderson’s intelligence and ability to operate within possession based systems, suggesting this pursuit is not solely tied to a post Guardiola vision.

Anderson interest clear amid rival shifts

Players across the City squad and wider Premier League are enthusiastic about the prospect of working under Alonso or Fabregas, viewing both as figures capable of leading a refreshed era. That enthusiasm reportedly extends to Anderson, who sees a potential move to City as the ideal next step in his career.

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Playing under Alonso or Fabregas in particular is described as appealing, reinforcing the sense that City’s project retains its pull regardless of who occupies the dugout. Manchester United have also monitored Anderson, but indications suggest they are pivoting towards alternatives such as Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton, reducing direct competition.

For now, Anderson remains focused on helping a relegation threatened Forest side and cementing his place in England’s World Cup plans. Yet City’s early groundwork suggests a move that could accelerate quickly once the season concludes.

Man City intent extends beyond one window

Whether Guardiola stays or departs, the message is consistent. City are planning beyond the present, targeting players who align with their technical demands and cultural standards. Anderson’s profile, Premier League proven, tactically adaptable and entering his prime years, fits that brief precisely.

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As the report highlights, this is less about opportunism and more about continuity. City are positioning themselves to remain at the summit of English football, irrespective of who leads them into the next chapter.

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City fans are conditioned to expect succession planning, not panic buying, and the idea that the club are already lining up midfield options for the next phase makes sense.

Elliot Anderson might not be a headline grabbing superstar, but that is often exactly the type City target before the rest of the league catches up. Supporters will look at his energy, tactical discipline and Premier League mileage and see a player who could be refined into something elite under the right coaching.

The Guardiola element is the emotional undercurrent. Many fans still hope he stays, but there is also acceptance that nothing lasts forever. Knowing the club are considering figures like Alonso or Fabregas softens that uncertainty. Both fit the modern City identity, progressive, possession focused and demanding.

If Anderson is genuinely excited by that vision, it says plenty about how City are perceived. This feels like a move designed to future proof the midfield rather than fix a short term issue, which is exactly how City supporters want their club to operate.