Arsenal have now joined race to sign £80m star with eight recoveries/game

Arsenal have joined Manchester City in the pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

Anderson has been a revelation for the Tricky Trees since the 2024/25 season, and he is likely to pursue a bigger challenge away from Vitor Pereira’s side this year.

Man City are known to be very keen on landing Anderson, but a summer outlay on the midfielder may largely depend on Mateo Kovacic or Nico Gonzalez being sold.

Arsenal are also deemed to be monitoring the England international. The Gunners are expected to make some player sales before another summer spending spree.

Anderson would be a fabulous signing for Arsenal

The 23-year-old has had a fine individual season in the Premier League despite Forest’s struggles.

Anderson has won a stunning eight duels per game this campaign alongside eight recoveries. He has also made three tackles per outing, while inducing two fouls on average.

He is a central midfielder by trade but can also operate as a holding midfielder with ease. His versatility and immense potential could be behind the Gunners’ interest in signing him.

Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice have been undisputed starters in the centre of the park this season, but the former has experienced a dip in form over the last few months.

Manager Mikel Arteta has not shown much confidence in Christian Norgaard to replace Zubimendi. The Dane has yet to make a league start since his summer move from Brentford.

Norgaard has talked up his desire to retire at Brondby. His limited first-team football this campaign could pave the way for his departure. Arsenal could replace him with a marquee signing.

Anderson would be an ideal acquisition. He could be used in a rotational role for the number six and number eight positions, thereby managing the workloads of Zubimendi and Rice.

It remains to be seen whether the Newcastle United graduate would accept such a role, considering he may not be a guaranteed starter in every league or European game under Arteta.

BBC Sport claim that Anderson is valued at £80 million, but the Tricky Trees could hold out for as much as £100m for his services this summer if they manage to beat the Premier League drop.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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