According to reports from Brazil, Chelsea have approached Nottingham Forest to sign defender Murillo. Enzo Maresca’s team is seeking a new central defender after Thiago Silva’s departure and has already shown interest in Boca Juniors’ promising 19-year-old Aaron Anselmino.
Chelsea are also targeting a defender ready to compete for a first-team spot immediately, and Murillo, after an impressive debut season at Forest, fits this profile well. The 21-year-old joined the Premier League for £15 million from Corinthians last August and was a key player for Forest as they narrowly avoided relegation.
Brazilian outlet UOL reports that Chelsea have initiated discussions with Forest about Murillo, but the club is demanding £50 million for the centre-back. Chelsea have indicated they will not meet this valuation and are considering including two players in their offer to reduce the transfer fee.
Atletico Madrid has also shown strong interest in Murillo and has engaged in talks with his representatives, but they are similarly deterred by Forest’s £50 million asking price.
Last week, Murillo mentioned on the Brazilian show Os Donos da Bola that he is open to leaving Forest after just one season. He stated, “I’ve received a few offers. Some official, others sounding out. I’ll take it up with my agent. They were clubs from England, Italy, and Germany. If I stay at Nottingham, I’ll do my best. If I leave, I hope they respect my decision. I’m calm and analyzing it in the best way.”
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