Manchester City plot £75 million swoop for Nottingham Forest star – Rival interest from Chelsea | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City reportedly have their eye on one of the Premier League’s best midfield talents at present while excelling on the international stage.

City’s midfield planning for 2026 is already taking shape, with club officials exploring potential long-term reinforcements amid evolving options within Pep Guardiola’s current squad after another busy summer.

Following the departure of Ilkay Gündoğan to Galatasaray and continued uncertainty over Rodri and Bernardo Silva’s respective futures, attention has turned to identifying young, homegrown talent capable of maintaining City’s standards in control and creativity.

Elliot Anderson’s name has now emerged with the player having impressed with his composure, passing range, and tactical intelligence – traits that fit seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s footballing philosophy.

After a breakthrough campaign at the City Ground and growing influence on the international stage, Anderson is quickly becoming one of English football’s most sought-after midfielders as he goes from strength to strength following a £35 million move from Newcastle United.

Now, according to the information of journalist Jeremy Cross, Manchester City are planning a staggering £75 million swoop for the Nottingham Forest and England international midfielder, with competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

It is claimed that Pep Guardiola has been ‘closely monitoring’ Elliot Anderson’s progress for both club and country, and is said to have become a ‘big fan’ of the former Newcastle man making him one of his top targets should he decide to bolster midfield next summer.

Should City choose to pursue the 22-year-old, club officials would reportedly aim to strike a deal with Nottingham Forest before the FIFA World Cup, while Anderson would prefer not to enter the competition across the Atlantic with uncertainty surrounding his future.

Highlighting the ongoing picture in Anderson’s role, the report states Nico Gonzalez has struggled to make his mark while questions linger over Rodri’s long-term future with the Spaniard being eyed by Real Madrid.

Manchester City’s growing admiration for Anderson reflects a wider theme in their recruitment approach, targeting versatile, Premier League-proven players who can integrate quickly into Guardiola’s tactical system.

The 22-year-old’s combination of energy, positional awareness, and ability to progress play could make him an ideal successor to Rodri or a complementary option alongside the Spaniard, should he remain at the Etihad Stadium further into the future.

Nottingham Forest are expected to resist interest unless a substantial offer meets their valuation, with Chelsea’s growing involvement likely to strengthen their position. However, City’s ability to present Anderson with an opportunity to work under Guardiola – alongside a proven pathway for development – may yet prove decisive.

As the transfer landscape develops towards next summer, much could hinge on whether Rodri’s situation with Real Madrid advances and if Nico Gonzalez’s adaptation improves with further game time during his first full campaign at the club.