Manchester City have seen a £106 million bid for Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest, with the club holding firm on a significantly higher valuation for the midfielder.
The 23-year-old England international, who joined Forest from Newcastle United in 2023 for £35 million, has rapidly developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers. Last season, Anderson featured in every league match, contributing four goals and four assists while recording more touches than any other player in the division, a statistic that underlines his growing influence.
City’s offer, understood to be £106 million upfront with add-ons that could take the total beyond £120 million, was seen internally as a strong opening move. The club views Anderson as a long-term successor to Bernardo Silva, whose future at the Etihad remains uncertain amid ongoing transfer speculation.
However, Forest have made it clear that any deal would require a guaranteed fee exceeding the £125 million Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak, a benchmark that would make Anderson one of the most expensive players in Premier League history.
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis is said to be personally overseeing the situation and is unwilling to sanction a sale unless Forest’s valuation is met in full. Sources close to the club indicate there have been no further talks since the initial rejection, leaving negotiations effectively at a standstill.
The situation is further complicated by interest from Manchester United, who are monitoring developments but have yet to submit a formal offer.
For Forest, Anderson represents more than just a valuable asset, he is central to the club’s ambitions of consolidating their Premier League status and pushing higher up the table. Selling him, particularly without securing a record-breaking fee, would be seen as a significant setback.
City, meanwhile, must now decide whether to return with an improved bid or explore alternative targets as they look to refresh their midfield ahead of the new season.
With both sides holding firm, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether this high-profile transfer saga progresses, or quietly fades as one of the summer’s most ambitious, but unrealised, deals.