Chelsea are among the clubs vying for the signature of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.
The highly respected journalist named the Blues, along with the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United, as potential suitors for the 23-year-old, although any transfer is unlikely to happen before the end of the season:
“First and foremost, Nottingham Forest don’t want to do anything at this point in time. They’ve got him under contract until 2029. The player is not agitating to move right now, and the fee they’re going to command is in the region of £80-£100m the way things are looking. I don’t think that’s very realistic from a PSR perspective, even for the biggest clubs.”
“However, the summer could be a completely different story. There is no release clause in his contract, but I do think that Nottingham Forest know that if the right price comes in, they might have to do business. I don’t think we’re going to have a repeat of the Morgan Gibbs-White situation should suitable offers arrive. What about the interested clubs? It’s going to be the biggest clubs in the Premier League and Europe such as Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and plenty of others.”
The news that Enzo Maresca‘s side want Anderson was met with a mixed reaction among supporters on X:
We need this guy in Chelsea
— Bliss (@shedibliss350) December 23, 2025
He's too expensive
— Lekz😌 (@lekz_web) December 23, 2025
I had love to see him at c helsea his versatility in midfield would be perfect
— Sanket Khadse (@Sanket_0109) December 23, 2025
I don't see either of Chelsea or Man City paying that amount for him
— Ozone🥱🦋 (@nayo009) December 23, 2025
He should come to Chelsea
— Omobolaji (@Beejaysport) December 23, 2025
ngl i really don’t see what’s so special about him but maybe in due time i’ll come to know
— J (@yankknowball) December 23, 2025
Chelsea are in the market for a midfielder
It is believed that the Blues will strengthen their options in the middle of the park next summer.
Another reliable reporter, The Telegraph‘s Matt Law, confirmed last week that it is an area of the pitch that the London club’s recruitment team are looking to reinforce.
Will they meet Anderson’s asking price?
£80m to £100m is a lot of money for a player who has only come into his own over the past 18 months. However, as we have seen with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in previous transfer windows, Chelsea are not afraid to splash the cash on a midfielder.
Anderson is the right age as well, so don’t be surprised if the London club do table a bid for him next year.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
