Manchester City’s bid for Elliot Anderson rejected as transfer saga intensifies
Nottingham Forest rebuff City’s opening offer for the England international, who is reportedly favouring a move to Manchester over United as the potential price tag threatens to eclipse the British transfer record.
Manchester City have had an opening transfer bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected by the club, according to reporting by The Athletic. The 23-year-old England international, who featured in 50 matches for Forest during the 2025-26 season, is reportedly leaning towards a move to the Etihad Stadium over a potential switch to Manchester United. The proposed deal carries the potential to become a British record transfer fee, surpassing the £105 million Arsenal paid for Declan Rice in 2023.
City are targeting Anderson to strengthen their midfield following the departure of captain Bernardo Silva. Anderson, a Newcastle United academy graduate, is currently preparing for the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico under manager Thomas Tuchel. While the player is engaged in international duty, club-to-club discussions regarding the transfer are understood to be ongoing.
The rejection of the initial bid confirms that City have formalised their interest in the midfielder. Although the exact value of the rejected offer has not been disclosed, there is a growing expectation that Anderson will leave the City Ground this summer. The fee for a transfer could eclipse the previous benchmark set by Arsenal’s acquisition of Rice, marking a significant shift in the valuation of domestic talent.
Manchester City are also monitoring other midfield options, with Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali identified as a long-term target. Additionally, the club is assessing its defensive options, specifically seeking a young, natural right-back to supplement Matheus Nunes, who excelled in the position this season after being converted from midfield. The future of Nico Gonzalez remains uncertain, with the player potentially departing if a suitable offer is received.
It remains unclear whether Manchester City will submit a second bid or if negotiations have stalled following the rejection. The club’s strategic focus on bolstering the midfield and securing natural full-back profiles suggests a comprehensive restructuring of the squad ahead of the upcoming international tournament and subsequent domestic campaign.
