Manchester city have tabled a second offer worth up to £120m for Nottingham forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, signaling their intent to land the 23 year old England international as they reshape their midfield ahead of the 2026 World Cup season.
The bid, reported to consist of an initial £106m plus significant add-ons, would surpass the £105m Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023, making Anderson the most expensive English player in transfer history if the deal goes through.
CITY INTENSITY PURSUIT AFTER FIRST BID REJECTED
City's opening approach for Anderson was rejected by Forest earlier this month, but Pep Guardiola's side have returned with an improved package that reflects both Anderson's rising stock and City's urgent need to reinforce central midfield. Sources indicate Anderson's preference is a move to the Etihad Stadium, with Manchester United effectively out of the race after deciding not to engage in a bidding war.
Personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle. The England midfielder has long been admired by City's recruitment team, who tracked his development during his time at Newcastle United before his £35m move to Forest in 2024.
ANDERSON'S BREAKOUT SEASON AT FOREST
Anderson has been one of Forest's standout performers since arriving at the City ground. In 92 appearances across all competitions, he has scored six goals and become central of Forest's midfield as they navigate a turbulent campaign that saw four different managers take charge.
Despite the instability, Anderson helped Forest reach the Europe League semi finals and secure Premier League survival. His composure in possession of the ball through the central areas align closely with City's tactical demands.
The midfielder international profile has also risen sharply. He started England 3-0 friendly win over Costa Rica on Wednesday, the final warm up before the three lions open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17. With club to club negotiations permitted during the tournament window, City will hope to advance talk while Anderson is focused on international duty in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
MIDFIELD RESHUFFLE AT THE ETIHAD
City's pursuit of Anderson comes as Bernardo Silva prepares to depart upon the expiry of his contract, leaving a creative void in Guardiola's midfield. Anderson tops City's shortlist of targets to fill that role, though he is not the only player under consideration.
Newcastle's Sandro Tonali is another midfielder highly rated by City's hierarchy. The Italy International has been monitored as a long-term target and could emerge as an alternative or complementary signing depending on how negotiations for Anderson progress.
RECORD BREAKING TRANSFER IN SIGHT
If City complete the deal at the proposed £120m valuation, Anderson would eclipse Rice's £105m move to Arsenal and reset the benchmark for English players. The fee reflects both the premium placed on homegrown talent under Premier League squad rules and Anderson's age profile, with City viewing him as a cornerstone for the next phase of Guardiola's rebuild.
Forest, meanwhile, face a difficult decision. Having signed Anderson for £35m just two years ago, they stand to make a substantial profit. But losing a player of his caliber mid-World Cup would complicate their own plans, particularly after the disruption caused by multiple managerial changes last season.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
With Anderson's preference clear and City determined to avoid a protracted saga, talks are expected to accelerate once England's World Cup opener is out of the way.
City's withdrawal from contention removes a major rival, leaving City in pole position provided they can meet Forest's valuation.
For Guardiola, landing Anderson would represent more than just replacing Silva. It would be a statement signing that combines Premier League experience, international quality, and the potential to anchor City's midfield for the next decade.
The coming weeks will determine whether City's £120m gamble pays off and whether Anderson becomes the latest England star to make the move to the Etihad.
For Guardiola, landing Anderson would represent more than just replacing Silva. It would be a statement signing that combines Premier League experience, international quality, and the potential to anchor City's midfield for the next decade.
The coming weeks will determine whether City's £120m gamble pays off and whether Anderson becomes the latest England star to make the move to the Etihad.
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