Chelsea eye Nottingham Forest defender as ‘key target’ | OneFootball

Chelsea have placed Nottingham Forest defender Murillo high on their shortlist of transfer targets.

The West Londoners are long-term admirers of Murillo, who has excelled since moving to the Premier League from Corinthians in 2023.

He was named Nottingham Forest Player of the Year in his debut campaign before helping the club to European qualification for the first time since 1995 last season. During the campaign he made more clearances (249) than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues.

At the weekend, the Brazilian was on target as Forest secured a morale-boosting 3-0 win at champions Liverpool.

Chelsea are keen to strengthen their centre-back options, with Wesley Fofana enduring an injury-plagued time at the club and both Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi expected to move on. Levi Colwill is also currently sidelined with an ACL injury.

According to CaughtOffside, Enzo Maresca views Murillo as the ideal ball-playing defender to improve his side’s options. The Italian questioned his lack of line-breaking options earlier in the campaign, following Colwill’s absence.

Chelsea are not alone in expressing interest in Murillo. Arsenal like the defender, though a move for another centre-back is not a priority at this time. Barcelona are also keen but could be priced out of the running.

In January, Murillo has signed a new four-and-a-half year contract that would keep him at the City Ground until summer 2029.

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