Man City prioritise Elliot Anderson signing and rule out Enzo Fernandez move

Manchester City will not pursue a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson identified as their top midfield target ahead of the Enzo Maresca era.

Anderson, 22, is City’s number-one priority in the transfer window, and the club are confident of completing a deal despite competition from Manchester United, who secured Champions League football for next season after first identifying the England international. City’s existing relationship with Forest is considered an advantage — James McAtee and Stefan Ortega both moved from the Etihad to the City Ground within the last 12 months.

The decision to pass on Fernandez is notable given his ties to Maresca. The £117 million Argentine was made a captain by Maresca at Chelsea and was publicly critical when the club removed the Italian coach mid-season. Chelsea finished tenth in the Premier League, ending their campaign without European football. Despite that shared history, Fernandez does not currently feature in City’s summer plans.

Midfield is expected to be the most active area of business for City this window after January reinforcements focused on attack and defence. Rodri and Mateo Kovacic are both entering the final year of their contracts, while Nico González was omitted from the FA Cup final and several late-season Premier League squads, adding to uncertainty around the department.

Maresca is expected to be formally confirmed as Pep Guardiola’s successor shortly, with the final details of his appointment being finalised. Anderson could become his first major signing if City can fend off United’s interest and agree terms with Forest.