Man City have opening bid for Elliot Anderson rejected as Arsenal pursue Tonali

Manchester City have had an opening bid for midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest, as the 23-year-old England international edges closer to a summer move. BBC Sport reported last week that Anderson is leaning towards a move to the Etihad Stadium over Manchester United, and City have now formalised their interest with a first offer that was rebuffed, according to The Athletic. Anderson enjoyed a stellar season with Forest and was selected in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup, which begins later this month in the US, Canada and Mexico. A potential fee could eclipse the £105 m Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023, setting a record for a British player. The bid comes as captain Bernardo Silva's exit forces City to bolster their midfield, with Anderson topping the list of targets. Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is another player understood to be highly rated by City, with reports suggesting the Italy international has been monitored as a long‑term target. Nico Gonzalez, who missed out on a place in Spain's World Cup squad and fell out of favour under Pep Guardiola last season, may depart if the right offer arrives. Sources indicate City are also looking to sign a right‑back to supplement Matheus Nunes, 28, who excelled in the position this season after being converted from midfield; the club are eyeing a young, natural full‑back who can grow into the role. Across Manchester, Arsenal are making moves behind the scenes as the summer window approaches. The transfer window officially opens on 15 June, but manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have already made approaches, with early reports suggesting the Gunners could match the club‑record £250 m they spent last summer. Arteta openly stated after the heart‑breaking Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain that a lack of game‑changers was the key difference between the sides. Arsenal have reportedly made calls in recent days to try to secure Sandro Tonali's signature. The Newcastle midfielder, 26, emerged as a target in the January window when Arsenal were alerted to his interest in a move, but no concrete offer was made. Now, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal recently made contact to gauge his availability. Arteta is understood to see Tonali as vital squad depth for a season expected to include around 60 games. Newcastle's lack of European football could push Tonali to leave Tyneside three years after joining, though Manchester United are also reportedly keen. Meanwhile, Arteta and Berta have been forced to abandon their plan to sign Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, valued at around £86 m. The Athletic reports that Arsenal made an approach for the Turkey international, but Juventus informed them in "no uncertain terms" that Yildiz is not for sale this summer. With a left winger a priority, Arsenal are now exploring alternative options.