Chelsea plan to take control of transfer race for Forest defender Murillo this summer

Chelsea want to sign Murillo

Murillo is attracting strong interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, with sources indicating the Brazilian will be open to a major summer transfer.

The 23-year-old has caught the eye since joining Nottingham Forest from Corinthians in 2023, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising centre-backs.

Murillo’s physical presence and pace is complemented by strong tactical awareness and an ability to play out from the back - attributes that have made him a standout performer and a natural fit for top-level sides.

His proven Premier League pedigree is a key factor behind growing interest from England’s elite, with all three clubs monitoring his situation closely.

Man United have tracked Murillo for some time, although they have yet to make a firm internal decision on recruiting a centre-back this summer. Midfield is also a priority area for the club, and they are admirers of his Forest teammate Elliot Anderson.

Murillo, 23, signed an improved four-year contract last year, tying him to Forest until 2029, but sources suggest a fee in the region of 360-70 million could be enough to test the club’s resolve.

That valuation is unlikely to deter Chelsea or Liverpool, both of whom are actively targeting reinforcements in central defence.

Chelsea, in particular, are determined to strengthen their back line as they are set to undergo an overhaul.

They have tracked Murillo extensively this season, with indications now suggesting they are very likely to formalise their interest at the end of the season.

Liverpool have also carried out significant groundwork over the past 12 months as they assess defensive options ahead of the next campaign.

With top clubs circling and the player open to a move, this is shaping up to be one of the Premier League’s more compelling transfer battles of the summer.

Dean Jones