100 million pounds for Anderson is not expensive at all.

The battle for Elliot Anderson's signature is intensifying after Manchester City submitted their initial bid to Nottingham Forest. Does the 23-year-old midfielder really justify a price tag of over £100 million?

Manchester City's initial offer for the Anderson deal was close to 80 million pounds. Nottingham Forest's asking price, however, is 120 million pounds. If City agrees to this fee, Anderson would become the most expensive midfielder in Premier League history, surpassing the 115 million pounds paid for Moises Caicedo from Brighton to Chelsea three years ago.

Nottingham Forest have good reason to demand a price exceeding 100 million pounds for Anderson. They cite the transfers of Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea from Benfica, and Declan Rice from West Ham to Arsenal as benchmarks. Anderson arrived at the City Ground two years ago from Newcastle for a fee of 35 million pounds. He has made a total of 92 appearances for Nottingham Forest, including 50 this season across all competitions. His reputation has grown through impressive performances in the Premier League and for the England national team under Thomas Tuchel. Together with Rice, he is expected to be a top choice for England's midfield in the upcoming 2026 World Cup campaign.

If Anderson performs well and helps England go deep, or even win the 2026 World Cup, his value will skyrocket. That's why Nottingham Forest believe they need a price that matches Anderson's potential. His contract at the City Ground runs until the summer of 2029, so the club is not under pressure to sell him at any cost, even though they understand it will be difficult to keep him long-term.

A few months ago, both Manchester clubs were expected to fiercely compete for this 23-year-old midfielder. However, Manchester United's signing of midfielder Ederson from Atalanta for 38 million pounds shows they are no longer going all out for Anderson. This opens the door for Manchester City to become his potential new home. City need a high-profile and quality signing to lay the foundation for the Enzo Maresca era.

Key Manchester City players under Pep Guardiola, such as Bernardo Silva and John Stones, have left this summer, leaving a significant void for the squad that Maresca will inherit. Anderson is a suitable signing for City, not only for his strength and sharpness but also for his excellent tactical vision. The midfielder's Premier League experience makes him well-equipped to revitalize City's midfield, especially with the possibility of Rodri leaving the Etihad to return to Spain.

The 23-year-old midfielder is currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup with the England national team. £100 million for Anderson is a significant fee, but Manchester City should look at how Arsenal won the Premier League with Rice in their squad. Acquiring Anderson is City's way of rebuilding their squad as they aim to return to the top of the Premier League after being overtaken by Liverpool and Arsenal in the last two seasons.