The Athletic's David Ornstein confirmed that Manchester City had made a formal first offer for the England international, which was immediately turned down by Forest. The club made clear they intend to extract maximum value for a player who has been one of the Premier League's most consistent midfielders across the past two seasons.
Anderson, a Newcastle United academy product who joined Nottingham Forest for £35m in the summer of 2024, has established himself as a key performer at the City Ground and earned a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup in North America.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak both attended UEFA's Champions League dinner in Budapest last week, though both parties insist no Anderson negotiations took place at that event.
City's need is pressing. Captain Bernardo Silva has departed after twelve years, John Stones is also leaving, and long-serving manager Pep Guardiola ended his decade at the Etihad Stadium this summer. Incoming manager Enzo Maresca and sporting director Hugo Viana have identified Anderson as the priority midfield target for the new era.
Manchester United have also been in regular contact over a potential deal, though reports suggest their position has softened given City's determination and their own recent signing of Atalanta midfielder Éderson. Anderson is understood to prefer City over United.
City's pursuit of Anderson sits alongside potential interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, who has been monitored as a long-term target. They also require a young right-back to supplement Matheus Nunes, who impressed after being converted to the role last season, with a natural full-back capable of developing into the position their preference.
Forest are under no financial pressure to sell below their valuation, having secured Champions League football for next season. Any deal for Anderson is unlikely to be concluded until after the World Cup.