Chelsea to battle with Premier League rival for signature of “physical” £35 million midfielder next summer

Elliot Anderson. (Reuters/Andrew Boyers)

Chelsea’s 2025/26 campaign has been a rollercoaster of inconsistency, despite a summer of heavy investment and squad reshaping under Enzo Maresca.

Seven games in, the Blues have picked up three wins, two draws, and two defeats — a mixed return that nonetheless included an impressive 2–1 victory over reigning champions Liverpool.

Signs of progress are there, with the likes of Estevão shining, but questions remain over Chelsea’s depth and physicality in midfield.

Now, Maresca and the recruitment team appear to be looking ahead to the next phase of the rebuild — and they’ve reportedly identified one of the Premier League’s fastest-rising midfield stars as a potential target.

According to a new report from The Express, Chelsea are preparing to go head-to-head with Manchester City for the signing of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

The 22-year-old, who only joined Forest from Newcastle in 2024, has quickly become one of the division’s standout young players. His blend of strength, drive, and technical quality has seen him earn three senior England caps under Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea scouts are said to have been tracking Anderson closely this season, impressed by his dynamism and versatility — qualities that could add balance to Maresca’s midfield, particularly with ongoing uncertainty around Conor Gallagher’s long-term future.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola is also a major admirer of the player, having previously called Anderson “physical” and “a top player.” City are reportedly considering a £75 million offer next summer, meaning Chelsea may need to move fast if they want to secure his signature.

For Maresca, Anderson could represent the perfect addition — Premier League-proven, homegrown, and entering his prime. Whether Chelsea can win the race against one of their biggest rivals remains to be seen, but it’s clear the Blues have no plans to slow down their squad evolution just yet.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.