Manchester City have offered two players to Nottingham Forest in exchange for Elliot Anderson

Manchester City have reportedly moved into pole position to sign Nottingham Forest’s star midfielder Elliot Anderson, with reports emerging that the Premier League champions are prepared to offer a creative deal to secure the England international. To lower the financial outlay and sweeten the negotiation for Forest, City have reportedly offered two players as part of a potential exchange deal. This comes as Pep Guardiola looks to refresh his midfield engine room ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, identifying the 23-year-old as a primary target.

Anderson has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2024, cementing his place as a key starter for the England national team under Thomas Tuchel. While a direct cash deal was initially estimated at around £65 million, the inclusion of City players could bridge the gap in valuations. While the names of the players involved in the exchange have not been officially confirmed, speculation suggests they could be high-potential youngsters or squad players looking for more consistent first-team football, similar to the deal that saw James McAtee move to the City Ground previously.

For Nottingham Forest, the offer presents a difficult dilemma. While losing their "magician" in the heart of midfield would be a significant blow, the prospect of receiving a substantial fee plus two ready-made replacements could provide the depth needed to avoid future relegation battles. Anderson has reportedly informed his representatives that the Etihad Stadium is his preferred destination, snubbing interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham. City are keen to wrap up the deal before the 2026 World Cup begins this summer to avoid a potential price hike should Anderson shine on the global stage.