Manchester City are emerging as the frontrunners to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer, according to multiple verified reports from April 2026. The 23-year-old England international has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, but Sky Sports and other reliable sources indicate that Pep Guardiola’s side are now in pole position to secure his signature ahead of Manchester United and other suitors.
Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in July 2024 for a fee of £35 million and has since established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League. His performances have drawn attention from Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and both Manchester clubs, with Forest valuing the player at around £100 million.
The transfer saga has been shaped by considerations around playing time, particularly at Manchester City where Rodri remains a key figure in midfield. Former City midfielder Gareth Barry, speaking via BetMGM, highlighted this factor when discussing Anderson’s potential decision-making process.
“I believe he needs to look at his game time,” Barry said. “If it were me personally and I were Elliott Anderson, then I would be looking at my game time. If Rodri stays at Manchester City, then he probably has less chance of playing as many games, although he would still acquire game time.”
Barry’s comments reflect a broader concern for the young international: ensuring regular first-team football at a critical stage of his development. Despite the competition for places at Etihad Stadium, sources suggest City are prepared to offer Anderson a significant role in their plans, potentially as a long-term successor or rotational option alongside Rodri.
Manchester United have also been monitoring the situation closely, with the club seeking to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the recent season. The Red Devils are preparing for life without Casemiro, who is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, and have also been linked with a potential sale of Manuel Ugarte.
Although, despite United’s interest, multiple outlets including Sky Sports and the Manchester Evening News have reported that City have gained the advantage in negotiations. Anderson is said to be focused on helping Forest avoid relegation from the Premier League before turning his attention to his future, with the club currently involved in a relegation battle heading into the final fixtures of the season.
The possibility of Anderson leaving the City Ground regardless of Forest’s league status has been mentioned in several reports, indicating that the player may be open to a move even if the club manages to secure survival. This uncertainty around Forest’s fate adds another layer to the decision-making process for the midfielder.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been identified as clubs monitoring the situation, though neither appears to be leading the race for his signature at this stage. Arsenal have been linked in some reports, but the strength of their interest remains unverified compared to the concrete developments surrounding City and United.
From a tactical perspective, Anderson’s versatility in midfield — capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker, box-to-goal midfielder, or even in a more advanced role — makes him an attractive prospect for Guardiola’s system. His technical ability, passing range, and work rate have been cited as key attributes that align with City’s playing philosophy.
Financially, a potential transfer would represent one of the larger investments in Forest’s history and could set a new benchmark for sales from the City Ground. The reported £100 million valuation reflects both his current performances and projected potential, placing him among the most valuable young midfielders in English football.
As of late April 2026, no official bid has been confirmed by either Manchester City or Nottingham Forest, and the player himself has not made any public statements regarding his future. However, the consistent reporting from trusted sources suggests that discussions are underway and that City are viewed as the most likely destination should a transfer materialize.
The next confirmed checkpoint in this saga will likely come after the conclusion of the Premier League season, when Forest’s fate is settled and clubs are able to formalize transfer discussions. Until then, Anderson remains focused on his performances for the Tricky Trees as they fight to maintain their top-flight status.
For continued updates on this developing story and other football transfer news, readers are encouraged to follow trusted sports news outlets and official club announcements.
