Report: Chelsea and Liverpool currently in the race for £50m Premier League defender | OneFootball

Chelsea and Liverpool Lead Race for Murillo as Nottingham Forest Demand £50m

The mounting interest in Murillo, whose anticipated departure from Nottingham Forest is gathering pace ahead of the summer window, according to TeamTalk.

Sources close to the 23 year old describe the level of interest as “strong and serious”, a phrase that carries weight in recruitment circles. His representatives are assessing options with increasing conviction that this is the moment to step up to one of the established top six sides. Within the market, there is a sense of inevitability.

Photo IMAGO

Chelsea Reshuffle Could Open Door

Chelsea have been diligent. Along with Liverpool, they have completed more background work than any of their rivals over the past year, even considering bids last summer. That long term tracking now places them in a strong position.

Chelsea’s interest persists despite the return of Mamadou Sarr and the expectation that Levi Colwill will be fit again. The club are open to offers for Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah, a potential triple sale that could reshape their defensive options. Recruitment at Stamford Bridge has been opportunistic and assertive in recent windows, and this feels consistent with that approach.

Photo IMAGO

Liverpool Monitoring Defensive Uncertainty

Liverpool’s position is nuanced. They moved decisively for Jeremy Jacquet and expect Giovanni Leoni to return, yet doubts linger over Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez. In such circumstances, contingency planning becomes essential.

Photo IMAGO

Sources insist Murillo remains firmly on Liverpool’s shortlist. His profile, left sided, progressive in possession, physically assertive, aligns with their defensive evolution. Any move would depend on clarity around departures, but the groundwork has been thorough.

Wider Premier League Interest

Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all monitored developments. Arsenal’s plans for Pedro Hincapie may influence their appetite, particularly if he is utilised more frequently at full back. United and Spurs admire the player but must first resolve their own defensive configurations.

Within Forest, realism prevails. There is acknowledgement that Murillo has “probably hit his ceiling” at the City Ground, and an acceptance that he will push for the next step. Yet Forest are prepared to extract full value. Alongside Morgan Gibbs White and Elliot Anderson, he represents a prized asset.

Photo IMAGO

No formal fee has been announced, but the expectation is north of £50million. Murillo signed a four year contract in January last year, with no release clause included, a position the club maintain. In practical terms, that empowers Forest to dictate terms.

For Chelsea and Liverpool, the message is clear. If they want Murillo, they will need conviction and patience in equal measure. The bidding has not formally begun, but the positioning has.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Chelsea supporters would welcome a defender of Murillo’s profile, young, assertive and Premier League proven. Many would argue that a reshuffle at centre half is overdue, particularly if Tosin, Badiashile or Chalobah depart. Yet there will also be concern about balance and long term planning. Another major outlay must translate into stability.

Liverpool fans may see this as smart succession planning. Questions over Konate’s future and Gomez’s durability have lingered. Murillo’s left sided strength and composure on the ball fit the club’s modern defensive identity. However, supporters will expect clarity on exits before committing £50million plus.

Across both fanbases, there is agreement on one point. If Murillo is leaving Forest, he must elevate the side he joins. Anything less would feel like an expensive experiment rather than strategic recruitment.