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Manchester City move closer to signing Elliot Anderson in £130 million deal, Real Madrid eye Enzo Fernandez - Paper Round
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Published 24/06/2026 at 23:42 GMT+1
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Manchester City are moving closer to completing an historic deal for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with a fresh round of decisive talks scheduled over the next 24 hours, according to reports.
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Forest have already knocked back two opening bids from the Premier League champions but are now prepared to shake hands on a total package touching £130 million.
The monumental fee would comfortably eclipse the British record £105m Arsenal paid for Declan Rice, as well as Alexander Isak’s £125m switch to Anfield.
The Mail reports: ”Elliot Anderson is edging closer to a British record move to Manchester City with further talks planned in the next 24 hours.
”Nottingham Forest have already rejected two offers for the England midfielder and have been holding out for a total package worth close to £130 million, which would make Anderson one of the most expensive players in history.
”Daily Mail Sport understands that the clubs are now due to hold further discussions which, if successful, could see the deal completed.
”The total could outstrip Alexander Isak’s £125m transfer to Liverpool last summer, while Anderson’s international midfield partner Declan Rice became the most expensive British player of all time when Arsenal splashed £105m on him three years ago.”
Mourinho targets £120m Fernandez
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is prepared to entertain lucrative summer bids for French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni to reshape his central options.
With Eduardo Camavinga deemed completely untouchable, Tchouameni could be sacrificed to finance a £120m swoop for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, who is eager to seal a move to the Bernabeu.
Manchester United are heavily monitoring Tchouameni’s availability.
The Athletic explains: ”Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho are open to hearing offers for 23-year-old midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, but those close to the player say it is ‘impossible’ for him to leave.
”This has led to a situation where offers for Aurelien Tchouameni, 26, would be considered. He could be of interest to Manchester United.
”A departure in midfield is seen as necessary to make room for the creative player Real Madrid feel they are lacking. Mourinho’s preferred choice is Enzo Fernandez, for whom Chelsea are expected to ask for around £120 million.
”The 25-year-old Argentina international is looking for a new start and his preferred destination is Madrid.
”West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes has also been discussed, but there is competition from Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur for the 21-year-old Portugal midfielder.”
United turn to veteran keeper duo
Manchester United have placed Leeds United's Karl Darlow and Wolves' Sam Johnstone on a shortlist of experienced targets to serve as backup to Senne Lammens.
Old Trafford bosses are ready to sanction permanent departures for Altay Bayindir and academy graduate Radek Vitek, who wants regular first-team football, making the capture of an experienced, homegrown No. 2 a top priority.
The Mirror states: ”Manchester United have shortlisted Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow and Wolves' Sam Johnstone in the search for a new No.2.
”The Red Devils want to sign an experienced shot-stopper to support Senne Lammens, with Andre Onana seemingly having no future at Old Trafford and Altay Bayindir available for transfer.
”Academy graduate Radek Vitek is due to return to United for pre-season training after impressing on loan at Bristol City, but the Czech has made it clear that he doesn't want to play second fiddle.
”Vitek, 22, is reportedly being eyed by newly-promoted Hull City, and with two years left on his contract, United accept that a permanent departure could be best for all parties.
”That's why United are exploring moves for Darlow and Johnstone. The duo, 35 and 33 respectively, have bags of Premier League experience and would count towards United's homegrown quota.”
Arteta open to Martinelli sale
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is ready to overhaul his options on the left flank this summer after identifying the position as a critical weakness in his squad.
The Gunners could opt to cash in on Gabriel Martinelli ahead of Leandro Trossard due to the 25-year-old Brazilian's ability to command a significantly higher transfer fee in the current market.
The Daily Star reports: ”It's no secret that Arteta believes the left wing position requires the most immediate attention in the transfer window, given that neither Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard possess the world-class talent needed to elevate the team to the next level.
”The Brazilian still has a year remaining on his deal, which can be extended by a further campaign.
”He was previously touted for a switch to Bayern Munich before they secured Luis Diaz last summer.
”Martinelli, 25, could command a higher transfer fee than Trossard owing to his age and might therefore be the first to depart.
”He has spent seven campaigns in N5, netting 62 goals across 278 outings.”
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