Barcelona see 23-year-old Nottingham Forest star as ideal long-term defensive solution | OneFootball

After a very successful 2024-25 season, there were not a lot of changes expected in this FC Barcelona team. However, the Blaugranes still lost one of their most important players from the last season, i.e., Inigo Martinez, and it remains to be seen how they will cope with the loss of such an important player.

For now, Hansi Flick can rely on Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen, and Eric Garcia in central defense. But Barcelona are already considering reinforcements, and one name has emerged as a priority target: Murillo of Nottingham Forest.

According to Caught Offside, Barcelona are among the great admirers of the 23-year-old Brazilian, who is viewed at Camp Nou as a long-term successor to Martinez. Murillo has quickly become one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe thanks to his standout performances in the Premier League.

Why Barcelona see Murillo as the perfect defensive fit

Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

Left-footed, strong in duels, and highly composed on the ball, he combines defensive solidity with the ability to progress play from the back. These qualities fit perfectly into Barcelona’s recruitment strategy, which has focused heavily on securing young, technically gifted players.

English giants circle as race heats up

Barcelona are not alone in the race, however. Arsenal are also interested in Murillo, with Mikel Arteta keen to add another reliable left-footed defender to his squad, given that Gabriel Magalhaes is currently the only trusted option in that role. Murillo’s calmness and line-breaking passes are qualities that the Arsenal manager greatly admires.

Chelsea have also expressed strong interest. The Blues even tested Forest’s resolve with a formal bid earlier this year, which was rejected. With ongoing defensive injury concerns, Chelsea could yet return with another offer when the transfer window reopens.

Nottingham Forest, for their part, are under no pressure to sell and value Murillo at around €70–80 million. That price would place him among the most expensive defenders in world football, a figure that underlines both his current importance to Forest and his enormous potential.

With the summer transfer window having only just closed, there might still be a lot of time to see where Murillo’s future lies, but there is no doubt that he would be quite a good addition to this Barcelona team.