Chelsea's appointment of Liam Rosenior as head coach could signal a bold new transfer strategy, with the club reportedly interested in a blockbuster move for Nottingham Forest's highly-rated midfielder Elliot Anderson.
Ornstein Reveals Chelsea's Interest in Premier League Star
According to a significant claim from respected journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea have been linked with a potential move for Elliot Anderson. Speaking on The Athletic FC, Ornstein indicated that the 23-year-old has attracted attention from several elite clubs. "I heard Chelsea at one point," Ornstein stated, while cautioning that any deal would be complex and unlikely in the January 2026 window.
Ornstein explained that Nottingham Forest currently have no desire to sell their key asset, but the situation could change in the summer. He suggested that any transfer would command a staggering fee, with figures in the region of £80 million to £100 million or more being discussed. Such a move would also present challenges regarding the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and squad composition.
Why Anderson Fits the Chelsea Project
Anderson's profile makes him an attractive target for the new regime at Stamford Bridge. The midfielder has earned high praise for his performances, notably from England manager Thomas Tuchel, who handed him his international debut. Tuchel previously lauded Anderson, calling him "one of the best midfielders in the Premier League" and a "very complete and mobile midfielder" during his time at Forest.
For Chelsea, a player of Anderson's calibre would be seen as a statement signing capable of elevating the team's midfield. The vision would be for him to form a formidable partnership with existing stars Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, providing the quality needed to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League titles that the club's owners, BlueCo, ultimately desire.
Rosenior's Era Begins with High Stakes
The pursuit of a player like Anderson aligns with the ambitious task handed to Liam Rosenior, who was confirmed as Chelsea's new head coach in early January 2026. He succeeds Enzo Maresca, whose tenure brought trophies but ended without securing the biggest domestic and European prizes.
Rosenior, previously manager of Strasbourg, arrives with a reputation as a respected coach in England. His early reported request to sign defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace indicates a proactive approach in the transfer market. Securing a talent like Elliot Anderson would be a monumental step in building a squad capable of wrestling the title from rivals like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
The summer transfer window now looms as a critical period for Rosenior's Chelsea project, with a potential nine-figure move for one of England's most promising midfielders firmly on the radar.
