The race to secure the signature of Nottingham Forest’s star midfielder Elliot Anderson is intensifying as we approach the summer window.
Here is the current state of play as of April 25, 2026:
The Current Situation
- Manchester City’s Pursuit: City are currently in “pole position” and are prepared to offer a significant financial package to the 23-year-old. Pep Guardiola views Anderson as a key target to help reshape his midfield, especially with the confirmed departure of Bernardo Silva this summer.
- Manchester United’s Stance: United remain “attentive” and are monitoring the situation closely. While City is currently leading the race, United have kept themselves in the battle and are prepared to move if the deal between Anderson and City fails to materialize.
- Negotiations with Forest: As it stands, there is no advanced agreement with Nottingham Forest. Sources indicate that formal negotiations with the club will likely take place later in the summer, with the final fee heavily dependent on Forest’s Premier League status at the end of the season.
The Stakes
The potential transfer is shaping up to be one of the biggest moves of the upcoming window.
Reports suggest that Forest are prepared to demand a substantial fee, potentially in the region of £100 million to £120 million, given Anderson’s form and his status as a key member of the England national squad heading into this summer’s World Cup.
While interest has also been linked to Arsenal, the consensus remains that the battle for Anderson is currently a two-horse race between the Manchester giants.
