Manchester City took the opportunity to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window to aid their Premier League title chase.
AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo was snapped up by Pep Guardiola, adding further talent to their already impressive attacking threat.
They continued their Premier League raid when they signed England international Marc Guehi to bolster their defensive options on the blue side of Manchester, following a last-minute failed move to Liverpool in the summer.
Despite their spending, City remain six points behind league leaders Arsenal following the Gunners’ victory over Liverpool at Anfield this weekend, with 13 fixtures remaining to close the gap.
Aside from their current battle, future-proofing the squad will be a huge priority for Guardiola in the summer, with regaining dominance both domestically and on the European stage the primary focus.
As a result, a summer spending spree can be expected even if City are able to catch Arsenal during the remaining months of the Premier League campaign.
According to TEAMtalk, City are preparing a big-money move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
The publication claims sources have told them that the Cityzens view Anderson as a long-term prospect who can future-proof their midfield thanks to his tactical versatility.
This approach for Anderson is expected to materialise regardless of whether Guardiola remains at the club beyond the end of the season, with City already preparing for the possibility of a new managerial era.
Will Elliot Anderson sign for Manchester City?
It is no secret that Anderson has several Premier League clubs interested in securing his services this summer, including boyhood club Newcastle United.
The Magpies reluctantly sold their academy graduate – once hailed “elite” by England boss Thomas Tuchel – in 2024 for £35m to Nottingham Forest, where he became a casualty of the club’s ongoing PSR issues, alongside Yankuba Minteh.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has, on numerous occasions, voiced his frustration at having to part ways with Anderson and has insisted that a return to St James’ Park is not being ruled out.
As a Newcastle native, there is a clear pathway for Anderson to return to the North East if the club can meet the £100m valuation Forest have placed on their midfielder.
However, there are a lot of contributing factors, meaning a move back to Tyneside is far from guaranteed.
The opportunity to join Manchester City, play regular Champions League football and compete for Premier League titles would be difficult to turn down – particularly if Newcastle are unable to maintain their status in European football.
Manchester United are another club reportedly interested in signing Anderson this summer, with the Red Devils prepared to offer consistent game time as part of a complete midfield overhaul.
With that said, Anderson’s options are likely to be extensive, and with a strong chance of earning selection for England at the upcoming World Cup, his future may not be decided until late in the transfer window.
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