Manchester City saw one of the most successful periods in football history come to an end after Pep Guardiola decided to step down from his role.
Guardiola ended his time at the Etihad Stadium after ten remarkable years in charge. During that spell, he won 20 major trophies and transformed City into one of the biggest football clubs in the world.
His final season still delivered silverware. City secured a domestic cup double after beating Arsenal 2-0 in the EFL Cup final and Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final.
However, Guardiola’s final home game ended in disappointment after a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa. Meanwhile, several major figures also departed the club this summer.
Bernardo Silva confirmed his exit alongside John Stones, while Guardiola moved into a new role as Global Ambassador for the City Football Group.
As a result, City have now accelerated plans to rebuild their midfield ahead of next season. There are also concerns surrounding the future of other midfielders at the club.
Rodri recently admitted that he will address his future after the World Cup amid links with Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, questions continue around Nico Gonzalez and whether he could leave this summer as well. That is why City have now stepped up their search for a new midfielder.
According to ESPN, Manchester City submitted their first bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. However, Forest rejected the opening proposal immediately.
The England international has attracted interest from several clubs in recent months. Manchester United are also monitoring the situation, but City remain the favourites to secure his signature.
Forest, however, are in no rush to sell the 23-year-old. Anderson still has three years left on his contract at the City Ground, and the club reportedly value him at around £100 million, if not more.
Premier League clubs have already shown they are willing to spend massive fees on midfielders.
Chelsea paid record sums for Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, while Arsenal spent £105 million to sign Declan Rice.
City themselves paid £100 million for Jack Grealish in 2021. They have also spent around £430 million across the last three transfer windows.
So, it remains to be seen whether they will return with an improved offer for Elliot Anderson.
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