- Man City want to sign Elliot Anderson
- Club taking steps to complete a deal
- Sandro Tonali remains an alternative
Manchester City have their sights set on Elliot Anderson, but a move for Sandro Tonali is not off the table yet.
Signing a new midfielder might just be Man City’s number one priority this summer, with Bernardo Silva’s contract expiring.
There would likely have been interest in this position anyway, considering how Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders have struggled to hold a place in the starting lineup.
Elliot Anderson is City’s top transfer target, and he is keen on a move to the Etihad Stadium before the World Cup.
However, Man City have had a bid rejected, as they are still some way off Nottingham Forest’s valuation for the England international.
Man City are keeping Sandro Tonali as a contingency option
According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali is emerging as a strong option for City if a deal cannot be completed for Anderson.
The Italian had already been linked with Man City ahead of the summer, but it became clear the club’s priority was to sign the 23-year-old from Forest instead.
So Tonali is still under consideration, but the Citizens would need to act promptly if a move for Anderson fails to come to fruition.
This is because Arsenal are also eyeing up Tonali, and it seems he is higher up their wishlist compared with City.
Tonali is not a viable alternative to Anderson
If Man City fail to sign Anderson as a result of Nottingham Forest’s asking price, the same could happen with Newcastle and Tonali.
The 26 year old’s price tag has been named as above £100m, making him just as expensive as City’s first choice.
Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera believe he could be available for £87m, but even then that is a lot of money.
It is hard to see City forking out that much on a player who is not their priority. Additionally, there could be room to negotiate on Anderson anyway.
Man City should not hold back when bidding for Anderson
The Sky Blues have signed a number of central midfielders in recent years, and the success stories have been pretty much non-existent.
Signing players on the cheap is definitely a key reason, and City must avoid this mistake if they are to find an adequate replacement for Silva.
Tonali will cost a lot of money. Anderson might be slightly more expensive, but only by a few million pounds.
Therefore, Man City must ensure they sign Anderson. He wants the move and so do they, so get it done!
