Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has been the subject of transfer speculation ahead of the summer window
Elliot Anderson in action for Nottingham Forest (Image: Getty)
Chelsea are said to be ready to make a move for Nottingham Forest ace Elliot Anderson this summer.
The in-demand Reds midfielder has no shortage of admirers and is expected to be the subject of much interest come the end of the campaign. As the reopening of the transfer window nears, speculation about his future continues to grow.
Manchester City are considered front-runners for Anderson’s signature. But Manchester United have also been heavily linked, while Arsenal are among other sides credited with eyeing him up and Newcastle United would love to have him back.
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According to the i (via Sky Sports), Chelsea are plotting to “hijack” attempts by the two Manchester clubs to snap up the England international. The Stamford Bridge outfit are said to be planning to join the race for the Forest star.
A price tag in the region of £100 million has been mooted, potentially even higher if the Reds avoid relegation and Anderson has a good World Cup. The Telegraph say such a fee “could prove prohibitive” for Manchester United, leaving City currently leading the chase.
The 23-year-old cost Forest £35m when he made the switch from St James’ Park in the summer of 2024. That figure effectively became £15m as goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos headed in the opposite direction for £20m.
Anderson has become a key player for club and country since then. While on Three Lions duty during the last international break he was asked about his future.
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He said at the time: “We’ve obviously got the World Cup this summer, so all my eyes are on that and playing for England. I’ve obviously got the badge on now, so that’s what I’m thinking about at the moment.”
Anderson missed Forest’s Europa League victory over Porto last week following the death of his mother, Helen. He returned for Sunday’s crucial 4-1 victory over Burnley and gave an incredible show of strength and courage as tributes were paid to his mum.
Vitor Pereira’s side moved five points clear of the relegation zone with five games to go courtesy of the win over the Clarets. They travel to Sunderland on Friday (8pm kick-off) for another big clash, then host Aston Villa in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final next Thursday.
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