Chelsea have reportedly made contact with a Premier League club to enquire about signing their £50m-rated defender.
Following Thiago Silva’s exit this summer, there’s a sizeable void that needs filling in the Blues defence. It’s why they continue to be linked with several different centre-halves this window.
Chelsea have already completed the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo, 26, on a free transfer. He’s a ball-playing centre-back with top-flight experience from his time at Fulham.
Now, Enzo Maresca’s side have been linked with another central defender.
Chelsea make contact for £50m star
According to UOL, Chelsea are interested in signing Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.
It is understood that the Blues have already made initial contact with their Premier League rivals about signing the 21-year-old Brazilian star.
The report claims that Forest are demanding €60m (£50.7m) for Murillo.
Apparently, Chelsea have expressed that they won’t pay the asking price in full. However, they are considering offering cash plus two players in a deal to sign the South American centre-back.
Forest certainly benefited when they signed Callum Hudson-Odoi from Chelsea last year, so it will be interesting in to see if they’d like any more players from Stamford Bridge.
Should the Blues be chasing Murillo?
In fairness, Murillo enjoyed a very strong debut season at Forest last year. It was the Brazilian defender’s first campaign in English football, but he quickly became a favourite at the City Ground.
He’s a left-footed centre-back that fits the mould of a modern defender. You can see why Forest value him at £50m to them because he’s strong, quick and comfortable playing out from the back. Speaking via Monday Night Football last season (19 February), Jamie Carragher described Murillo as “outstanding” for his performances.
However, The Chelsea Chronicle doesn’t think that Murillo should be a priority target this summer.
The Blues already have Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile as quality left-footed defenders in their squad. Therefore, it’s difficult to see where Murillo actually fits into the equation.