Manchester City is still confident in pursuing Elliot Anderson despite rumors about the future of coach Pep Guardiola, as the Nottingham Forest midfielder is considered a long-term strategic target at Etihad.
Anderson continues to make a strong impression since leaving Newcastle to join Forest. The stable performance in the center of midfield helps the English player quickly become one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League.
According to British media, The Citizens have had serious discussions about the possibility of recruiting Anderson and believe that the deal will not be affected even if Guardiola leaves the club at the end of the season.
The Etihad Stadium team sees Anderson as an ideal replacement for Bernardo Silva, who is likely to leave Man City this summer after many years of attachment.
However, the price for Anderson is said to be no less than 100 million pounds - a figure reflecting his importance at Nottingham Forest as well as future development potential. Forest believes that the value of the 23-year-old midfielder could even increase even more if he impresses at this summer's World Cup.
Manchester United is also said to be interested in Anderson, but they are difficult to compete with Man City both financially and in terms of professional appeal. "The Red Devils" need to add two midfielders in the upcoming transfer window and do not want to spend a huge fee on just one player.
Coach Vitor Pereira also publicly expressed his desire to keep his star: "The market is always unpredictable and anything can happen. But what I can affirm is that the club wants him to stay. We want to keep almost the entire squad because this is a quality and personality team".
Man City is currently said to be entering a major reconstruction phase after the period of dominance under Guardiola. In the past 18 months, they have continuously rejuvenated the squad with potential contracts and Anderson is considered the perfect piece for the midfield.
The English midfielder's ability to hold the ball, press and move without the ball is particularly suitable for the control style that Man City has maintained for many years.
In addition to Anderson, the Manchester team is also looking for a new right-back and is interested in Michael Kayode of Brentford - a player who has just been nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award.
In the long term, Man City is also closely monitoring Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi as a future target, although the southern English team has no intention of selling this young striker before 2027.
After succeeding with the Antoine Semenyo deal from Bournemouth, Man City believes that investing in young talents rich in fitness and speed will be the key for the post-Guilario period.
