Transfer expert David Ornstein has attempted to unpick the complicated transfer scenario involving the Premier League’s top clubs and a group of elite midfielders that they are all battling to sign.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are all looking for midfield starters this summer.
These four Premier League giants are all linked with interest in the same group of midfielders, which is set to prompt a fascinating transfer battle, in which one move will have a profound impact on the other deals that are done.
Ornstein explains midfielder transfer race
Ornstein admits that the situation is, therefore, difficult to predict at this moment in time because there are so many moving parts involved, but he has outlined what he understands the situation to be currently.
“Elliot Anderson is Man Utd’s top target but Man City are also in the frame, with Bernardo Silva leaving and Rodri’s future uncertain,” Ornstein told The Athletic via a Q&A.
“Nottingham Forest want to break the Premier League transfer record for a midfielder and if they stay true to that, will both of those suitors be willing to pay it? He also already earns in excess of £100,000-per-week so you’re going to need to offer him an extremely high salary.
“Clubs are calling Forest but they are focusing solely on the end of their campaign; no proper negotiations for now.
“And Anderson is said to be behaving impeccably – no agitating for a move. He also has a World Cup to think about.
“We know about the widespread admiration for Adam Wharton but Crystal Palace will demand a very high price for him and it will be interesting to see if anybody is willing to pay it. For example, clubs like Man Utd would see him as an option for a second midfielder signing – not the first, which in their case would be Anderson or another – and therefore they might not want to go anywhere near the level of fee Palace will seek.
“Sandro Tonali has lots of interest, as has been well documented, and the amount of noise on him would suggest his camp might be keen on exploring their options – but I don’t think there is a clear picture yet on what will happen. Carlos Baleba likewise.
“There are other serious candidates for this position who are perhaps receiving less media attention (Alex Scott etc) but should not be discounted. I’m sure we’ll speak a lot more about them in the weeks ahead.”
Decisive weeks ahead
With some weeks before the transfer window opens, clubs are still jostling for position over many targets, and who goes where will only become evident once moves start to seriously heat up.
With the Premier League table still in a volatile position, this will only happen when the European positions have been decided and clubs (and players) know for sure who the managers for the 2026/27 season will be. These final weeks of the season, then, could be decisive in the transfer market.
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