Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United has now been identified as a potential alternative if the Nottingham Forest man proves too expensive, reports the London Evening Standard.
Forest are seeking approximately £100m for Anderson — a fee calibrated against the £105m Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice in 2023. Manchester City's first bid fell short of that figure and Forest declined without counter-negotiation, setting up a stand-off that will test City's resolve as they begin their rebuild under incoming head coach Enzo Maresca.
City finished second in the Premier League last season, pipped to the title by Arsenal's first top-flight championship in 22 years. They won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, leaving Pep Guardiola — who departed after ten years and 20 trophies — on 20 major honours. Bolstering central midfield is the priority for the new era, with Anderson the primary target.
Tonali has been a near ever-present for Newcastle across the past two seasons — 35 league appearances in the most recent campaign — and is regarded as one of the Bundesliga's most technically developed midfielders. But Newcastle received €80m for Anthony Gordon from Barcelona this summer and are not under financial pressure to sell a player they regard as integral to their squad.
Manchester United have also been tracking Anderson throughout the summer, though United chief executive Omar Berrada has publicly stated the club will not pay £120m for any player. City's determination gives them a significant advantage in that race.