Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes (Photo by Molly Darlington, George Wood, Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
What’s next for Elliot Anderson and the Manchester City transfer saga after reports of a failed bid for the Nottingham Forest midfielder, and how will it affect other midfielder deals?
CaughtOffside the authors often contact sources in the industry and also work with top news reporters like Fabrizio Romano and Christian Falk to find out what goes on behind the scenes.
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Even as World Cup news comes to a head, there is some big news emerging as Man City work to sign Anderson in what could turn out to be one of the most expensive and high-profile deals of the summer.
However, the latest from BBC Sport and others is that Forest are really playing hardball over Anderson, rejecting two offers from City, the second of which was worth a combined £120m.
From Elliot Anderson to Mateus Fernandes for Manchester United
Manchester United have also been linked with Anderson, but for that kind of money it’s no surprise they pulled out of the deal, with the Times now claiming he is leading the race to sign West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes for £80m.
This follows an existing deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta, according to BBC Sport, so it’s a strong start to the summer from the Red Devils, with other clubs yet to complete their signings of midfielders.
This is despite a number of clubs appearing to be in the market for a signing in that position, as well as much recent speculation about the likes of Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and Alex Scott.
What’s next for Sandro Tonali?
To be clear, we were recently informed that City will try again for Anderson, which has already happened, however, things did not go as expected regarding Tonali and Fernandes.
Last week, it looked like United might be after Tonali. Of course, there’s no guarantee yet on Fernandes’ deal, so while things are looking up in that area, they could change again.
We’ve been told that Arsenal are interested in Tonali, but interestingly, so are City, and it’s possible that we’ll see the story heat up as Anderson appears to be more expensive.
“Anderson is leading City, they want to do this deal, and he wants a move,” said a source close to the situation. CaughtOffside today. “But City have other options and would be ready to leave if Forest do not agree to relax their position.”
Other midfielders to watch: Adam Wharton, Alex Scott, and Carlos Baleba
There has been a lot of talk in recent months about other top midfielders such as Wharton, Scott and Baleba. It is also possible that the condition of Enzo Fernandez will be important.
At the moment, it is our understanding that there have been no bids made or talks held for any of the above players this summer, although Baleba has a formal agreement on personal terms with Man Utd from last year.
It appears that Baleba’s dip in form has led to United ending their interest, however, as it is difficult to think of a third signing in that position if they do end Ederson and Fernandes’ deals.
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We were previously informed of Tottenham’s interest in Baleba, but this is yet to develop in a meaningful way, although this could change with former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi now in charge.
Wharton has his admirers at Liverpool, although in the past few weeks Scott’s stock has soared and he has been in talks with at least five of the Premier League’s top clubs.
Enzo Fernandez and Real Madrid
What will be watched is the future of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. He has made headlines for wanting to leave Stamford Bridge, and we have been informed of Real Madrid’s interest.
The Spanish giants’ plans are still officially underway while new manager Jose Mourinho’s move is being finalized, but if a big bid lands in Chelsea’s inbox, it could have a huge impact on the midfielder market.
At the moment, Chelsea is not planning to make changes in the middle of the field, the Blues’ intention is to keep Fernandez, but they will undoubtedly need someone to replace the Argentine international, and where Tonali, Wharton, and Scott can work to climb the ranks of the west Londoners.
