Chelsea will reportedly compete with Manchester United in the race to sign 23-year-old Brazilian international Murillo from Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Murillo is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are eager to bolster their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 23-year-old Nottingham Forest mainstay has emerged as a target for them.
However, Manchester United will not be alone in the battle for the South American defender’s signature, as Chelsea will pose a threat in the race to sign him from the relegation-threatened Premier League club.
How has Murillo fared at Nottingham Forest?
Murillo has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since joining Nottingham Forest from Corinthians in a deal worth £10 million in August 2023. The 23-year-old hit the ground running at the City Ground, and he has made significant 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 100 appearances for Nottingham Forest thus far while chipping in with three goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the Brazilian defender’s exploits have helped him break into his national side, and he made his senior bow last year. Additionally, his exploits have piqued the attention of several top-class clubs. Manchester United and Chelsea will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Manchester United’s interest in Murillo makes sense. The Red Devils are combing the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window, as Harry Maguire has entered the final six months of his contract. While recent reports have suggested a new deal may be on the cards for the former Manchester United captain, his long-term future remains uncertain. So, the Nottingham Forest mainstay has emerged as a viable target.
As for Chelsea, Axel Disasi has no future at Stamford Bridge, while Benoit Badiashile’s long-term situation is uncertain. While Levi Colwill will return from a long-term knee injury-induced layoff in a few months, the Blues need a long-term central defensive partner for him. So, it is hardly surprising that Murillo has been on Chelsea’s wishlist for a long time.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Manchester United will closely monitor Nottingham Forest’s fortunes heading into the summer transfer window, as the 23-year-old Brazilian international will become a cost-effective target if the Tricky Trees suffer relegation from the Premier League.
