Nottingham Forest will target midfield reinforcements as Elliot Anderson is on course to join Manchester City. Having reached an agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Elliot Anderson, the focus for Nottingham Forest is on what happens next. The Reds are in line for a huge pay-day when the midfielder’s move to the Etihad Stadium goes through. An up-front fee of £116 million is the figure mooted, representing terrific business for a player signed for a net £15m two years ago.
There is no doubt, however, Anderson will leave big boots to fill Trentside. The 23-year-old has become a key figure and one of the first names on the team-sheet over the past couple of seasons. He has also developed into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, hence why City wanted him and were prepared to pay big to get him. The England international’s stats last season were outrageous. According to Opta, Anderson won possession 306 times in the Garibaldi in 2025/26 – 94 more times than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Andre was his nearest challenger on that front, winning possession 212 times. Anderson also won the most duels (297) and had the most touches of the ball (3,300) throughout the top flight last term. He will undoubtedly be a very tough act to follow.
Forest have been linked with a string of midfielders already as they look to tweak Vitor Pereira’s squad. The Nottingham Post takes a look at who could potentially replace Anderson.
Lucas Bergvall
The Tottenham Hotspur youngster is said to have made clear his wish to secure a move this summer amid concerns over a lack of game time in the capital. His stance has seemingly alerted a number of clubs, including the Reds, to a transfer opportunity. There will likely be competition for his signature as Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, and Chelsea have all been credited with an interest in the 20-year-old. He would also not come cheap. Given he has five years remaining on his contract, a price tag in the region of £45-50m has been reported.
Davide Frattesi
The Inter Milan midfielder’s name has never really gone away since Forest tried their luck for him in January. Although he ended up staying put back then, a summer switch now appears likely – it is simply a question as to where. Valued at £26m, Juventus are also said to have their eye on the 26-year-old. Reports from his homeland have suggested Frattesi would prefer to remain in Italy rather than head abroad, while he is also said to “dream” of linking up again with Juve boss Luciano Spalletti who he worked with during his time at the helm of the Italy national team.
Arne Engels
As in the case of Frattesi, the Reds were eyeing up the Celtic man during the winter window. Three bids were rejected, including a package worth up to £25m as the deadline neared. The 22-year-old has remained on Forest’s radar but he is not short of admirers. Crystal Palace, Spurs, Fulham, Roma and Atletico Madrid are all said to be keen on him. Under contract north of the border until 2028, Celtic are said to want more than £21.5m for Engels.
Christ Inao Oulai
A new name in the frame, the Telegraph have reported Forest “have an interest” in the 20-year-old. The youngster is currently on duty for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, alongside the Reds’ Ibrahim Sangare. Sunderland, Fulham and Brentford have also been linked with the Trabzonspor man. Oulai joined the Turkish outfit from Bastia, in Corsica, 12 months ago.
