Report: Chelsea open door for defender to leave with three clubs interested | OneFootball

Chelsea Defensive Reshuffle Accelerates as Benoit Badiashile Exit Opens Door for Murillo Move

Chelsea’s long-term defensive strategy is beginning to take shape ahead of the summer transfer window, with Benoit Badiashile increasingly expected to leave Stamford Bridge and Nottingham Forest’s Murillo emerging as a leading replacement target under Liam Rosenior.

Sources close to the situation, including reports from CaughtOffside and journalist Mark Brus in his Daily Briefing, indicate that Chelsea are open to permanent offers for Badiashile, with clubs in Italy and France monitoring his availability. That development has prompted internal discussions over reinforcements, with Murillo featuring prominently on the club’s shortlist.

As Rosenior continues to shape his squad around intensity, technical reliability and positional awareness, the restructuring of Chelsea’s defence is expected to become a major focus in the coming months.

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Badiashile Situation Signals Impending Departure

Benoit Badiashile joined Chelsea from Monaco in January 2023 with significant expectations, arriving as one of Europe’s most highly rated young centre-backs. His physical presence, aerial dominance and ability in possession made him a natural fit for the club’s rebuilding project at the time.

However, his progress has since been hampered by injuries and inconsistent selection. Despite periods of strong form, Badiashile has struggled to secure a consistent starting role and has found opportunities increasingly limited under the current regime.

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea now view the French defender as outside their long-term plans and are prepared to sanction a permanent transfer rather than a temporary move. Interest from AC Milan, Juventus and Marseille has been registered, while the club are understood to be seeking a fee in the region of €35 million.

For Badiashile, a move away from west London could offer the chance to rebuild momentum in a more settled environment. For Chelsea, it represents an opportunity to streamline the squad and reinvest in profiles better aligned with Rosenior’s tactical vision.

Murillo Profile Fits Rosenior’s Defensive Blueprint

With Badiashile’s future uncertain, attention has turned towards Murillo, who has impressed since joining Nottingham Forest. The Brazilian has developed into one of the Premier League’s most progressive young defenders, combining physical strength with composure in possession.

Previous reports from Football Insider have suggested Forest may demand upwards of £70 million for the 23-year-old, reflecting both his importance to the club and his growing reputation. Chelsea’s recruitment department continue to track his development closely.

Murillo’s appeal lies in his versatility and temperament. He is comfortable defending in wide areas, proactive in stepping into midfield, and confident when playing through pressure — attributes that align closely with Rosenior’s preference for front-foot football.

At 23, he also fits Chelsea’s long-term recruitment model, which prioritises players capable of developing further while retaining strong resale value. Should Badiashile depart, Murillo is viewed as a potential cornerstone rather than a short-term solution.

Chelsea Defensive Planning Under Rosenior

Since his appointment, Liam Rosenior has prioritised structure, energy and technical security across all areas of the pitch. Central defenders are expected not only to protect their penalty area but also to contribute actively to build-up play and pressing sequences.

This tactical framework has influenced Chelsea’s transfer strategy. Defenders who lack consistency in possession or positional discipline are unlikely to thrive, regardless of their physical qualities.

Badiashile’s struggles to adapt fully to these demands have contributed to his uncertain status. Murillo, by contrast, offers the blend of athleticism, aggression and technical comfort that Rosenior seeks in his back line.

Financial considerations also remain central. Following heavy spending in recent seasons, Chelsea are under pressure to generate revenue through player sales. A profitable exit for Badiashile would create greater flexibility in pursuing priority targets.

The club’s approach moving forward is expected to focus on quality over quantity, with every acquisition designed to fit both sporting and economic objectives.

Transfer Market Impact on Chelsea Back Line

The potential departure of Benoit Badiashile would mark another step in Chelsea’s ongoing squad refinement. Having inherited a large and uneven group, Rosenior and the club’s recruitment team are working steadily to create a more balanced and coherent unit.

Replacing Badiashile will not be straightforward. While Chelsea possess depth in central defence, few options combine youth, physicality and technical consistency in equal measure. That is why Murillo continues to command strong internal support.

Whether Chelsea are willing to meet Nottingham Forest’s valuation remains unclear. Much may depend on outgoing business, wider market conditions and interest from rival clubs.

What is evident is that Chelsea are preparing for change. The club’s willingness to listen to offers for Badiashile, as reported by CaughtOffside, reflects a readiness to move on from previous recruitment decisions in favour of a more focused long-term strategy.

As the summer window approaches, the connection between Badiashile’s future and Chelsea’s interest in Murillo will be one of the key narratives to monitor. Both players now sit at the centre of a broader plan aimed at stabilising and modernising the club’s defensive platform under Liam Rosenior.