Manchester City are maintaining their strong interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, even after their first offer for the player was turned down. The Premier League champions have identified strengthening the midfield as a key focus ahead of the upcoming transfer window as part of a broader squad overhaul.
City preparing renewed bid for Anderson
The leadership at the Etihad Stadium is reportedly preparing a fresh attempt to secure Forest's Anderson. Following a standout season in which the midfielder became a consistent performer at the City Ground, the former Newcastle United man has risen to the top of City’s target list. Despite the setback of having their initial offer rejected, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has reported that City are expected to table an improved proposal very soon.
Nottingham Forest are said to be firm in their valuation, demanding close to £100 million for their star player. The East Midlands side are believed to be using Declan Rice’s £105 million transfer to Arsenal as a benchmark. Manchester City, however, view Anderson as an ideal player to refresh a midfield that fell short in last season’s title race against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. With the England international set to play a key role at the upcoming World Cup, City are eager to move quickly to avoid an increase in his market value.
Post-Guardiola era underway at the Etihad
This summer marks a major turning point for Manchester City following the departure of Pep Guardiola. The iconic Spanish manager stepped down after a decade that yielded 20 major trophies, leaving a significant void for the next generation to fill. After finishing second in the league, City’s recruitment department faces growing pressure to deliver the reinforcements required for another title challenge.
With Guardiola’s exit, City’s transfer focus has shifted towards acquiring young, homegrown talent capable of forming the foundation for the club’s future. Anderson, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United, fits that profile perfectly after a superb 2025-26 campaign with Forest. The 24-year-old made 50 appearances across all competitions, scoring four times and contributing five assists. As holders of both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, City are determined to remain the dominant force in English football despite intensified competition from their rivals this summer.
Tonali considered as elite alternative
Although City’s pursuit of Anderson remains their priority, the hefty £100 million valuation has led the club to explore other top-tier options. Sandro Tonali has emerged as the leading alternative if a deal for Anderson proves unworkable. The Italian international has been a key component of Newcastle United’s midfield over the past two seasons, making 35 appearances in a demanding Premier League campaign.
According to Romano, Tonali is highly regarded by City’s scouting and recruitment team. However, completing a transfer for the Newcastle star is expected to be challenging. The Magpies are not under financial pressure to part ways with key players, especially after securing €80 million from Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona. Any potential deal for Tonali, formerly of AC Milan, would likely command another massive transfer fee, underlining how costly midfield reinforcements have become in recent seasons.
Transformative summer ahead
City’s pursuit of Anderson and their contingency planning around Tonali reflect a bold and proactive transfer approach. Despite Anderson helping Forest reach the Europa League semi-finals, their 16th-place Premier League finish – along with Newcastle’s 12th-place standing – means neither player will participate in European competition next season.
With several senior players linked with exits and a new tactical direction expected under fresh leadership, Manchester City are making comprehensive preparations for a new era. Rebuilding the core of the team remains the top priority for the club’s sporting directors as they aim to reclaim the Premier League title from Arsenal.
