Man City planning blockbuster £75m move to sign Premier League midfielder | OneFootball

Man City Eyeing Elliot Anderson Amid Midfield Uncertainty

Manchester City’s long-term midfield planning looks set for another high-profile twist, with The Express reporting that the champions are plotting a stunning £75million bid for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson. Chelsea are also in the mix, which could spark one of next summer’s fiercest transfer battles.

Rising Stock of a New England International

Pep Guardiola has been tracking Anderson closely and is believed to be hugely impressed by his development. According to the report, “Guardiola has been closely monitoring Anderson’s progress and has become a big fan of the England international.” That admiration is significant, especially given City’s ongoing concerns around midfield stability.

Nico Gonzalez has yet to convince, while uncertainty continues to surround Rodri. The Express revealed that “questions linger over Rodri’s long-term future,” with Real Madrid circling the Ballon d’Or-winning Spaniard. Fitness concerns are also an issue as he “has struggled for fitness following a stint on the sidelines with an ACL injury.”

It places Anderson firmly in Guardiola’s plans as a potential long-term successor.

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Chelsea Ready to Challenge

City will not have a free run. “Anderson won’t be short of suitors next summer, with Chelsea also eager to tempt him to Stamford Bridge.” Forest secured him from Newcastle in 2024 for £35m and could now command more than double that fee.

His international recognition under Thomas Tuchel has accelerated his rise. Tuchel said: “He’s just a very, very good football player. He has the physicality, he’s very mobile at No 6. He has the body, he loves to defend, he loves to put his body inside to duels. He loves passing, he loves to break the lines, he’s very mobile in this game.”

World Cup Stakes

If Anderson shines at next summer’s World Cup in North America, his valuation could explode. The Express added that “if he returns from the finals having proven himself on the world’s biggest stage, his value is expected to skyrocket.” City are therefore likely to act early, hoping to avoid a post-tournament bidding war.

Anderson himself “would prefer to enter the tournament without any uncertainty surrounding his future,” hinting that he may favour an early resolution. Timing could prove key.

Transfer Outlook

Elliot Anderson represents more than just a squad addition. He is viewed as a strategic investment in City’s midfield evolution. At 22 and already capped by England, his potential ceiling is enormous. If both City and Chelsea proceed with formal bids, Nottingham Forest could find themselves in one of the most lucrative negotiations of the window.

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From a Manchester City perspective, this feels like one of those transfers that could define the next cycle of success. Rodri may still be world class but his long-term situation is suddenly not guaranteed. If Madrid tempt him back to Spain, the club cannot afford to be scrambling for replacements. That is why moving early on Anderson makes sense.

There is always a question when signing from a club like Nottingham Forest. Can he make the jump to elite Champions League standards? Based on Tuchel’s description, “He played with a lot of freedom. He was very quickly in the flow,” he certainly has the confidence and intelligence required. His mobility at No 6 would mesh nicely with Guardiola’s rotations.

Chelsea being involved makes everything more volatile. Their recent transfer strategy has been aggressive and sometimes reckless, so City will not want a long auction.

If Anderson lands at the Etihad, the project could be shaped around him for the next decade. If he goes to Chelsea instead, City fans will be keeping a very close eye to see whether they missed out on the next major Premier League midfield general.