Manchester City face big-money midfield transfer battle with Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea | OneFootball

The midfield market could be subject to intense transfer interest next summer, with a number of the Premier League’s biggest clubs expected to be shopping in that window.

Manchester City’s recruitment plans for 2026 are expected to being taking shape behind the scenes as Pep Guardiola and sporting director Hugo Viana look to strengthen an area of the pitch that has become increasingly central to their long-term project.

With Ilkay Gündoğan now at Galatasaray, Mateo Kovacic sidelined once again through injury, and Rodri commanding an uncertain level of fitness himself despite Guardiola’s confidence of a full return, City appear poised to be active in the midfield market.

This follows recent reports linking the Etihad Stadium club with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson – a player Guardiola has been said to greatly admire. The England international is reportedly a candidate for a £75 million move, yet City will not be alone in their pursuit.

According to the information of MailSport’s Chris Wheeler and Nathan Salt, Manchester United are facing a battle with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City to sign a ‘world-class’ midfielder next summer.

From the side of those at Old Trafford, it is claimed that United have prioritised buying a new No.6, but all three of their aforementioned Premier League rivals will be shopping in the same marketplace, and are expected to have more cash at their disposal.

The report names Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as two midfielders who will be in ‘great demand’ come the end of the season, while Manchester United are said to be monitoring Wolves’ Joao Gomes.

Pep Guardiola’s admiration for technically gifted, Premier League-proven midfielders suggests that both Anderson and Wharton could fit his mould of adaptable, possession-oriented players. Wharton – who has quickly become a standout performer at Selhurst Park – represents another example of the young English talent City are increasingly drawn to.

Liverpool’s interest in similar profiles, coupled with Chelsea’s long-standing desires, sets the stage for a competitive domestic transfer windows. City’s decision-making may also be shaped by internal developments, particularly whether Nico Gonzalez can continue to establish himself amid a hugely encouraging run of form for the club.

As things stand, Manchester City’s recruitment team continues to compile detailed assessments across Europe, with Guardiola perhaps wanting at least one major midfield addition ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Should Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri develop beyond media speculation, or Forest open the door to offers for Anderson, Manchester City could be drawn into a multi-club bidding war that defines the early months of the summer window.