Premier League: Top central midfielders who could cost £100 million
What's the story
As the summer transfer window approaches, top Premier League clubs are looking to bolster their squads with elite central midfielders. As per Sky Sports News, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United are all expected to be in the market for these players. The going rate for a top central midfielder is around £100 million, following recent high-profile transfers like Declan Rice to Arsenal and Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo to Chelsea. Here are top central midfielders who could cost £100 million in the summer.
Player profile
Elliot Anderson - Nottingham Forest
Elliot Anderson, an England international, is fast emerging as the most sought-after midfielder in the upcoming summer transfer window. He is seen as the perfect No 8 midfielder and can also play as a No 6 or in a more advanced role. Despite interest from top clubs, Anderson remains committed to Nottingham Forest for now. In 83 appearances for Forest, he has scored 4 goals.
Transfer speculation
Sandro Tonali - Newcastle United
Sandro Tonali's potential departure from Newcastle in 2026 has been a topic of discussion since January, with Juventus and other clubs showing interest. His agent Giuseppe Riso recently hinted that Newcastle was just a stepping stone for him and he deserves to play Champions League football every season. This has led to speculation about a move to a bigger Premier League club. In 104 appearances for Newcastle, he owns 10 goals.
Rising star
Adam Wharton - Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton, an England international, is another player coveted by top clubs since his emergence at Crystal Palace. A specialist defensive midfielder who can create from deep as well as destroy, Wharton has been inconsistent this season amid Palace's troubles. However, he has run the midfield in a number of difficult games and is on the radar of several big clubs. He has made 84 appearances for Palace, but is yet to score a goal.
Transfer targets
Carlos Baleba - Brighton and Joao Gomes - Wolves
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba was Manchester United's top midfield target in January. However, they were put off by the £100 million price tag. Now, with a dip in his form, United will hope to get him at a lower price before the FIFA World Cup begins. Wolves' Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes has also impressed despite his team's struggles and is on United's shortlist for new midfielders this summer.