Arsenal and Barcelona have reportedly joined Chelsea in the race to sign 23-year-old Brazilian international Murillo from Nottingham Forest next year.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Arsenal and Barcelona are interested in Murillo. The two European bigwigs are keen on reinforcing their defensive units by signing a centre-back, with the Nottingham Forest defender emerging as a target. Meanwhile, the Brazilian international is also a target for Chelsea, with the player having a price tag of €70-80 million.
The rise and rise of Murillo
Murillo has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since joining Nottingham Forest from Corinthians in August 2023. The 22-year-old has made significant progress in the last three years, becoming a mainstay at the back for the Premier League high-flyers, playing an instrumental role in an exceptional 2024/25 campaign, which ended with European qualification.
The youngster has made 75 appearances thus far for Nottingham Forest while chipping in with two goals and two assists. The Brazilian defender’s progress at the Premier League club has helped him break into his national side, and he made his senior bow for Brazil earlier this year. Meanwhile, his exploits have piqued the attention of several top-class clubs, including Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea.
A man in demand
Arsenal’s interest in the South American defender is surprising, considering they signed two centre-backs in a successful summer transfer window. Nevertheless, the latest report has suggested that the Nottingham Forest mainstay is a target for Arsenal, with a move in next summer’s transfer window possible.
Meanwhile, Murillo was a target for Chelsea in the summer transfer window before a deal failed to materialise. The continued interest makes sense, considering the uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Trevoh Chalobah.
As for Barcelona, the Nottingham Forest defender has been on Barcelona’s wishlist for a long time. The reigning La Liga champions have reignited their move for the South American defender amid the escalating need for a long-term central defensive partner for Pau Cubarsi. However, Nottingham Forest’s price tag of €70-80 million may pose problems for Barcelona.
The Catalan outfit’s financial issues may be a hindrance, giving Arsenal and Chelsea an advantage in the battle for the 23-year-old Brazilian defender’s signature, considering they can potentially afford Nottingham Forest’s asking price of €70-80 million.