Declan Rice has already said exactly why Arsenal should sign Elliot Anderson
Arsenal’s all-encompassing midfielder Declan Rice could soon welcome England teammate Elliot Anderson to the Emirates Stadium.
Rice and Anderson have established an incredible midfield partnership under Thomas Tuchel, offering a perfect blend of aggression, tenacity and control.
On Thursday (November 13), the duo started alongside each other for the fifth game running as England beat Serbia 2-0.
It was the Three Lions’ penultimate game in World Cup qualifying, as the midfield pairing continued to translate their club form across to the international stage.
While Rice is starring in Arsenal’s Premier League bid, Anderson has shone during Nottingham Forest’s difficult start, and the two could soon share the pitch as teammates in North London.
Arsenal have joined the race for Elliot Anderson
Spanish outlet Fichajes have reported that Arsenal are the latest club to enter the race for Anderson ahead of the January transfer window.
But to lure the 22-year-old away from the City Ground, the Gunners would have to meet Nottingham Forest’s £100million valuation of Anderson.
Sources have told Football Insider that Manchester United have a serious interest in Anderson, while other clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United have placed the midfield machine on their shortlist.
The Englishman has watched his stock and value skyrocket since joining Forest from Newcastle for just £35m in 2024, with his transfer value almost tripling.
An explosive ball-carrier who can dictate the tempo of any football match, Anderson is destined to play for a big club and working under Mikel Arteta could be the perfect manager for his development.
Declan Rice has already praised Anderson
Although Arsenal signed Martin Zubimendi during the summer, and the Spaniard has enabled Rice to push further forward, Anderson would offer similar qualities to the Gunners’ engine room.
As highlighted by FBref, the youngster ranks in the top 11 per cent of players across Europe for tackles in the past year and the top seven per cent for successful take-ons, evincing his qualities as a complete midfielder.
Also, after developing a partnership with Rice in England’s midfield, the Arsenal general would surely welcome Anderson’s arrival.
Speaking after England’s 3-0 win over Wales in October, Rice was complimentary of his teammate, hailing their developing relationship.
“He has taken it all in his stride and is playing like he plays for his club,” he said on ITV. “When you have a lad who is that confident and comes in and feels he does not have to do anything different, it’s like autopilot the way he plays.
“We are building up a nice little partnership. The manager has really liked us in the last three games, and we just have to keep building on that.
“The World Cup is in the summer and there is still a long way to go. The more we can play together and keep building momentum will be really important.”
Arsenal fans would be excited about the prospect of Anderson joining after watching him flourish alongside Rice for England.