Nottingham Forest will not entertain any bids to part ways with 23-year-old Brazilian international Murillo in the winter transfer window amid his links with Chelsea.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Murillo is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are eager to bolster their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the winter transfer window. So, the 23-year-old Nottingham Forest defender has emerged as a target for the West London club.
However, a winter move will not materialise, as the Tricky Trees do not want to lose the South American defender. Dean Jones said, “I do believe Chelsea have an interest in Murillo, but Forest made a very smart move by signing him onto a new contract at the start of the year and in line with that he’s going to be priced appropriately. There’s no chance of Chelsea getting a good deal on a player Forest don’t want to lose, who is tied up [by his contract] until 2029.”
Murillo and his Premier League journey
Murillo has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the Premier League since joining Nottingham Forest from Corinthians in a deal worth €15 million in August 2023. The 23-year-old has made considerable progress in the last two and a half years, becoming a mainstay at the back for the Tricky Trees while playing his part in their recent ascent.
The youngster has made nearly 100 appearances for Nottingham Forest thus far while chipping in with three goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the Brazilian defender’s progress at the Premier League club has helped him break into his national side, and he made his senior bow earlier this year. Additionally, his exploits have piqued the attention of several top-class clubs, including Chelsea.
London calling?
Murillo has been on Chelsea’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as Axel Disasi has no future at Stamford Bridge. Additionally, Levi Colwill’s long-term knee injury has forced Chelsea to scour the market for a centre-back. Several candidates have thus emerged on Chelsea’s radar, with the Nottingham Forest centre-back also a viable target.
Recent reports have claimed that the South American defender is the leading contender to bolster the Chelsea defence heading into the winter transfer window. However, a January deal will not materialise, as Nottingham Forest will not entertain any bids to part ways with him in the coming weeks.
The Midlands outfit tied the 23-year-old Brazilian international to a new contract earlier this year. That has not only helped them secure Murillo’s long-term future but also their position during negotiations with prospective suitors. So, a winter deal will unlikely materialise despite Chelsea’s push for his signature.
