Elliot Anderson is reportedly close to a record-breaking transfer to Manchester City, as further discussions between Nottingham Forest and the Manchester club are scheduled within the next 24 hours. Nottingham Forest has already rejected two bids for the England international midfielder and is holding out for a total package approaching £130 million.
Such a sum would position Anderson among the most expensive players in football history. The proposed transfer fee could surpass Alexander Isak's £125 million move to Liverpool last summer and would significantly exceed the £105 million Arsenal paid for Declan Rice three years ago, which made Rice the most expensive British player at the time.
Manchester United had also expressed interest in signing Anderson. However, Manchester City has long prioritized the midfielder as a key target, especially after it became apparent that captain Bernardo Silva would not renew his contract and would depart as a free agent. Signing the 23-year-old is seen as a strategic move by City as they prepare for a future beyond Pep Guardiola's tenure. Anderson is considered an ideal fit for the positional style of play favored by Enzo Maresca, who is expected to succeed Guardiola on a three-year contract.
Nottingham Forest initially acquired Anderson from Newcastle for a net fee of £15 million two years ago, with reserve goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos moving in the opposite direction. Newcastle reportedly did not wish to part with their homegrown talent but were compelled to do so to comply with Premier League financial regulations. Since his transfer to the City Ground, Anderson has emerged as one of the top midfielders in the country.