City plots blockbuster swoop to snatch Elliott Anderson from rivals

Overview of the potential deal

Manchester City is lining up a high-stakes pursuit to sign Elliott Anderson, the Nottingham Forest midfielder and England international, in the upcoming window. The 23-year-old has drawn strong interest from City’s football director Hugo Vianna and head coach Pep Guardiola, according to reports.

The club reportedly sent scouts to recent Forest fixtures to watch Anderson closely, but Forest is not inclined to sell in January and will rebuff offers until the season ends.

Context and the broader rebuild

Forest would reportedly consider a bid of at least £100 million given Anderson’s status as a key target for City in the 2026 mercato.

City also weighs a winter move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, with a price tag around £65 million.

Guardiola wants a midfielder capable of covering both the six and eight roles, and City will attempt to outpace Liverpool and Manchester United, who are also tracking the England international.

A phase of bold changes has defined City’s approach since early 2025, when the club pivoted to a transitional strategy to recover from the downturn suffered in 2024-25. The squad has since been supplemented with a mix of rising talents and established stars, strengthening depth and identity.

The winter window and the following summer saw a flurry of signings aimed at shoring up weaknesses and reducing injury-related gaps. The process marked City’s most audacious rebuild in memory as they push to regain the level expected by their fans.

As the 2025-26 season unfolds, signs of progress appear, but the team still faces challenges that justify continued reinforcement in the mercato.

For fans, the prospect of a blockbuster summer is exciting but also raises questions about squad balance and wage structure. For rivals, City’s pursuit is a reminder that the blue side of Manchester intends to stay at the top by any means necessary.