According to an update by Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Chelsea and Manchester United face stiff competition from Arsenal and Aston Villa for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. However, the Tricky Trees have slapped a price tag of over £100 million on the English international, perhaps to ward off his prospective suitors.
Elliot Anderson has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since joining Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in a deal worth £35 million last year. The Englishman spent his formative years in his homeland and graduated from the youth division at Newcastle United. However, the Tyneside outfit’s PSR struggles forced them to sell the 22-year-old to Nottingham Forest despite rating him highly.
While the move was a setback for the English international, he has not looked back since moving to the City Ground. Anderson has made over 50 appearances thus far for Nottingham Forest while chipping in with three goals and seven assists. The youngster’s exploits have piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
While Arsenal signed several midfielders in the summer transfer window, Christian Norgaard is on the wrong side of 30. So, the former Brentford captain will only be a short-term solution for the North London club. As for Aston Villa, Ross Barkley’s long-term future is uncertain, as the former Chelsea midfielder has struggled with fitness issues this season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in Elliot Anderson makes sense. The Red Devils are desperate to sign a holding midfielder next year, as Casemiro is approaching the twilight of his career. Additionally, Manuel Ugarte has failed to make his mark since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain. So, Anderson has emerged as a top target for Manchester United.
As for Chelsea, it is unclear why the Blues want a midfielder who will cost a bomb. With Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo going strong, the West London club must only sign players who can beef up the depth in the midfield unit. Speaking of high valuation, the 23-year-old Englishman will cost over £100 million.
With Nottingham Forest eager not to lose Anderson, they will demand a nine-figure sum to part ways with him. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Manchester United are ready to break the bank and pay over £100 million to land the English international.
