The Liam Rosenior era at Chelsea is hitting the ground running. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, reports have emerged that Chelsea have made formal contact with the representatives of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson to explore a potential move this month.
While the Blues are primarily planning for a major summer overhaul, the recurring injury struggles of Romeo Lavia have reportedly prompted Rosenior to urge the board to move the Anderson pursuit forward to the January window.
The "Midfield Metronome" of the City Ground
Elliot Anderson has been one of the standout performers of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Since his £35m move from Newcastle in 2024, the 23-year-old has transformed into a high-intensity No. 8 who fits the "modern engine" profile Chelsea is desperate for.
Elliot Anderson: 2025/26 Stats (as of Jan 17, 2026) | Metric | Premier League Stats | | :--- | :--- | | Appearances | 21 | | Minutes Played | 1,890' | | Goals | 1 (Penalty vs Aston Villa) | | Assists | 2 | | Passing Accuracy | 82.7% | | Distance Covered | 11.4km per 90 (Top 5% in PL) |
The £100m Price Tag & Transfer Battle
Nottingham Forest are in a strong position, with Anderson contracted until June 2029. The club has reportedly slapped a staggering £80m–£100m price tag on the England international, viewing him as the cornerstone of their European ambitions.
Chelsea’s Stance: Liam Rosenior is reportedly a "major admirer" of Anderson’s versatility. The new boss views him as a player who can operate as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box engine, providing much-needed cover for Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
The Competition: Chelsea aren't alone. Manchester City (under Pep Guardiola) and Manchester United have both made contact with Forest this month, though they are believed to be favoring a summer deal.
The "Lavia" Factor: Insiders suggest Chelsea may look to sell Romeo Lavia or include a player-plus-cash component to help finance the move and comply with PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules).
Ben Jacobs (Transfer Journalist): "Elliot Anderson is a priority target for Chelsea. While Forest want to keep him until the summer, Chelsea's enquiry is a clear signal of intent. They want to avoid a bidding war in June and are testing the waters for an immediate deal."
The Verdict: While a January deal for £100m is notoriously difficult, Chelsea’s aggressive enquiry shows that Rosenior is being given the backing to shape the squad immediately. If Forest can be talked down on the structure of the deal,Anderson could be the "statement signing" of the winter.