With Bernardo Silva having now called time on his glittering Manchester City career, there is a hole in City's midfield. City have to find a way to replace the energy, technical quality, and knowledge that Bernardo possessed. That will be no easy task for City's Director of Football, Hugo Viana, to complete.
One player who is by far and away Manchester City's main summer transfer target is Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. Anderson isn't a like-for-like replacement for Bernardo Silva. No player is. However, the strengths of Elliot Anderson's game do seem ready-made to come into the City midfield and add exactly what they need.
Manchester City are reportedly close to completing a deal to sign the midfielder they desperately need.
Lee Willmot has reported for Give Me Sport that Manchester City are close to getting the green light to complete a £100 million move for Elliot Anderson. Furthermore, Wilmot reports that Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is close to signing off on Manchester City's move for one of Nottingham Forest's most important players.
Elliot Anderson is now firmly established as one of the Premier League's elite midfielders. He is only 23 years of age and figures to be a prominent player at this summer's World Cup for England. Also, if, as expected, City sign Anderson, they'll be signing a player who can contribute straight away for them. Anderson also figures to be a player that Manchester City can build their midfield around.
The strengths of Elliot Anderson's play look to add exactly what Manchester City need in midfield. Anderson is physically strong and exceptional at winning duels. That is a prerequisite skill needed for a midfielder to thrive in the modern Premier League. The Nottingham Forest midfielder also covers the pitch extremely well.
Elliot Anderson's ability to cover distance and his pace means that he is always involved in the game. That should see him establish himself in the heart of Manchester City's midfield if he does sign for City as expected.
Also, Elliot Anderson's ability in possession forms a key part of his game. The England international carries the ball superbly, and City do need that type of midfielder. Anderson's delivery into the penalty area is quality, and you could see Erling Haaland profiting from Anderson's delivery.
Lastly, Elliot Anderson excels at playing in tight spaces. His close control is brilliant, and it allows him to get out of trouble in midfield with ease. Everything about Elliot Anderson's game seems ideally suited to playing at Manchester City.
Manchester City are seemingly edging closer to signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. City are about to embark on a new era, and if they do sign Elliot Anderson, they'll be getting a player they can build their midfield around. That would be huge for City. It now remains to be seen if Manchester City can get their man before the upcoming World Cup. That would be perfect for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders if it eventuates.
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