Manchester United linked with shocking £172m transfer double deal

Manchester United plan audacious £172m double raid on Nottingham Forest

Manchester United are eyeing one of the summer’s most ambitious transfer moves, looking to snatch two of Nottingham Forest‘s star midfielders for the 2026/27 season. Italian outlet TuttoJuve, an unusual source for Premier League transfer gossip, admittedly reports that United are prepared to spend €200 million (£172 million) to sign both Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White from the City Ground.

Anderson is at the top of their wishlist, though Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly demanding around £125 million for the 22-year-old Newcastle academy product, whose engine and ground coverage top every Premier League chart this season. Manchester City are also interested in Anderson, with Pep Guardiola’s side feeling confident of beating United to his signature.

Gibbs-White, meanwhile, has delivered 15 goals and five assists across all competitions this season, earning public praise from Teddy Sheringham, who called both players realistic and complementary additions. Former Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo previously labelled Gibbs-White “special,” and his 11 goals in his last 15 matches show exactly why.

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The 26-year-old narrowly avoided a Tottenham move last summer after Forest threatened legal action over an improperly activated release clause. He subsequently signed a new deal, though his future now depends partly on whether Forest qualify for the Champions League; they currently hold a 1-0 lead over Aston Villa in the Europa League semi-final. Casemiro departs Old Trafford on a free this summer, and Manuel Ugarte could follow for the right fee, leaving United’s midfield desperately thin.

Should Manchester United actually choose Gibbs-White over Anderson this summer?

Honestly, yes. Anderson is the big name right now, but Gibbs-White arguably fills the bigger gap. Manchester United’s midfield lacks someone who consistently produces in the final third without Bruno Fernandes doing the heavy lifting. Gibbs-White scores, presses intelligently, and carries the ball between the lines with real intent.

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His weakness, occasional inconsistency against deep defensive blocks, is real, but it is a far smaller problem than Manchester United’s current creative drought. Anderson brings energy and discipline, but Gibbs-White brings goals. Manchester United need both, but if only one arrives, Gibbs-White is the bigger game-changer.