Barcelona and Arsenal closely tracking 23-year-old Premier League defender – report | OneFootball

Barcelona are once again looking towards the Premier League in their search for defensive reinforcements, with Nottingham Forest’s Murillo now emerging as a major target.

Reports from Caught Offside reveal that the Blaugrana are closely monitoring the Brazilian, who has developed into one of the most reliable young centre-backs in England.

At just 23, Murillo has already shown the maturity and presence of a much older defender. His ability to remain composed under pressure, combined with his ball-playing skills, has made him a standout performer in the Premier League.

Naturally, this has attracted the attention of another Premier League side, with Arsenal also keeping an eye on his progress.

At Barcelona, Murillo is viewed as a long-term defensive leader, especially after the departure of Imigo Martinez.

The Catalan club has placed a clear emphasis on recruiting technically gifted young players, and Murillo fits that philosophy perfectly.

How much would he cost?

Barcelona are interested in Murillo. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Despite the growing interest, Nottingham Forest are in no rush to let their star defender go.

The club has made it clear that they value Murillo between €70-80 million, a price that reflects both his potential and his importance to the team.

With his contract running until 2029, Forest hold a strong negotiating position and are prepared to resist offers unless they meet their high demands.

This valuation presents a real challenge for Barcelona. Financially, the Blaugrana cannot compete directly with clubs like Arsenal or Chelsea, who have greater flexibility in the market.

Any move would require careful planning, likely involving player sales or creative payment structures.

Even so, Barcelona remain hopeful. Murillo’s profile makes him an ideal candidate to strengthen Hansi Flick’s squad for the long term.

While the battle for his signature will not be easy, his qualities suggest that he could become one of the most important defenders in European football.