Chelsea fans are seeing signs of their history as Thomas Tuchel’s excellent start as England manager continues.
The Three Lions went through the entire World Cup qualifying campaign without conceding a goal, bringing flashbacks to Chelsea’s excellent defensive display on their way to winning the Champions League in 2021.
Tuchel has relied on Reece James throughout his time in charge, and James now looks a shoo-in to start at the World Cup in North America.
The manager has determined who his favourites are, and one of those who has emerged is Elliot Anderson, currently playing for Nottingham Forest.
Elliot Anderson interacts with Thomas Tuchel during Serbia v England - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel is increasing Chelsea target Elliot Anderson’s price tag
The Blues have had Anderson on their shortlist for some time now, with them always keen to add quality to their first team squad no matter who is already there.
It has even been reported that Chelsea would need to sell Enzo Fernandez to sign Anderson, a player who they previously smashed the Premier League transfer record to sign.
Should Chelsea sell Enzo Fernandez to buy Elliot Anderson?
If the Blues do want to make a move to sign the England midfielder, they are only seeing his price go up with every performance under Tuchel, and can expect that to skyrocket if he is a starting midfielder at the World Cup.
Forest spent £35m on Anderson to sign him from Newcastle, however it is going to take way more than double that if they are desperate for his signature this summer.
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson contest for the ball
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
How much Chelsea can expect Anderson to cost
The Blues have competition from Manchester City for the signing of Anderson, and any deal is likely to set someone back close to a Premier League record fee.
It has been reported Anderson could cost around £120m, more than Chelsea paid for either Fernandez or Moises Caicedo.
If Chelsea are to spend that kind of money on a single signing, there are certainly other positions they could do with addressing first.
Centre-back, goalkeeper and striker have all been mentioned as weak points under Enzo Maresca, however if Real Madrid’s interest in Fernandez materialises there could be no better option out there to replace him than Anderson.