Aston Villa Have Entered Into The Competition For 23-Year-Old Midfielder: Is He The Right Choice For The Birmingham Club?

Aston Villa enter the picture with fresh intent as a report from Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur has suggested that they stand in the same queue as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliott Anderson.

Forest, however, continue to push the discussion into tougher territory by setting a fee well beyond £100 million, and this figure instantly changes the tone of the chase because it signals their reluctance to entertain any genuine approach.

Aston Villa enter a competition to sign Elliott Anderson

Meanwhile, Anderson continues to grow at the City Ground, and his rise feels consistent rather than forced, as he has moved from Newcastle United for £35 million only last year and settled into Forest’s midfield with ease that surprised many observers.

Moreover, he approaches every match with confidence, and his tally of over 50 appearances, three goals, and seven assists reflects the consistency he has carried since leaving Tyneside under the weight of Newcastle’s PSR concerns.

Furthermore, the interest from several major clubs stems from Anderson’s positive traits, like his energy and composure, and each new report strengthens the sense that his name will appear repeatedly in the weeks ahead.

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However, Forest’s stance hints at a firm belief that they can keep him unless an extraordinary offer arrives, and that makes this pursuit far from straightforward. Meanwhile, reports have also revealed that Aston Villa will give Morgan Rogers a wage bump to £120,000 per week.

Is he the right fit for the Birmingham club?

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NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Elliott Anderson of Nottingham Forest gets away from Antoni-Djibu Milambo of Brentford during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brentford at City Ground on August 17, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Anderson plays with high energy, clean ball control, and quick shifts of play that will suit Unai Emery’s demand for midfielders who press hard, carry possession with confidence, and link lines without hesitation.

He moves through tight pockets with a fluent rhythm, and he keeps the tempo with tidy touches that allow his side to step higher. Moreover, the Englishman works with a clear intent that should fit Emery’s preference for midfielders who close ground fast and force opponents into mistakes, though he still needs a season of regular minutes to sharpen his finishing choices.

Even so, any talk of a transfer feels distant because Forest place a huge price on him, and they show no sign of easing that stance. Moreover, if the 23-year-old pushes for a move, he is far more likely to look at Arsenal or Chelsea since both clubs offer bigger platforms, more resources, and an easier path into major games.