LONDON, July 1 — Manchester City’s agreement with Nottingham Forest for midfielder Elliot Anderson has already produced a knock-on effect in the transfer market, according to multiple UK outlets. The deal, closing at a reported £116 million, has set a benchmark for midfielders this window that selling clubs are now using against rival bidders. According to the reports, Aston Villa now believe their own player Morgan Rogers to be a better talent than Anderson.
Villa are said to want Arsenal to pay £130 million for Rogers if the Gunners are to sign him this summer. The figure matches the fee that was initially mooted for Anderson before City settled on the lower sum.
The record shows that £116 million is only £11 million more than Arsenal paid for Declan Rice three years ago, and the same amount Liverpool spent on Florian Wirtz last year. Yet the price tag still appears to unsettle observers accustomed to lower valuations. City, officials confirmed, have shown no concern over the figure.
Hugo Viana has landed his primary midfield target ahead of rival clubs. The move was managed while Anderson is busy at the World Cup; City have not interfered with England’s plans but used a light touch to complete the deal regardless.
Arsenal could point to Anderson being in the England squad while Rogers is not, or to a number of metrics from last season, but the situation nevertheless presents a headache for Mikel Arteta and his recruitment team. Good value or not, the Anderson deal has already been used by clubs who do not wish to sell their best assets to scare off potential bidders.
The strategic context is clear: City have moved early and decisively, and the rest of the Premier League’s billionaire-backed clubs are now adjusting to the new price floor for midfield talent. How Arsenal respond to Villa’s asking price for Rogers will be the next development to watch.
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