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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be keeping one eye on January now after the end of the summmer transfer window
Arsenal had a busy summer on the transfer front in the end. They delved into the market to bolster their ranks with the signings of the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, among others. The Gunners are aiming to win the title if they can amid competition from their rivals.
Mikel Arteta’s side won the first two games of the Premier League season against Manchester United and Leeds United respectively. However, they were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool at Anfield last time out. They will be hoping to bounce back after the international break.
Arsenal eye Nottingham Forest defender Murillo
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are set to ‘battle’ for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. La Liga giants Barcelona have also been mentioned as potential suitors. His current club could face a real battle to keep hold of him in the future amid attention from elsewhere.
Murillo, 23, joined Forest back in 2023 to bolster their backline and he hasn’t looked back since. He has become a key player for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and they won’t want to lose him anytime soon. However, their hands may be tied if an offer that they can’t refuse comes in for his signature.
The Brazil international, who has one cap under his belt, has made 77 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, 39 of which came in the last campaign, and he has scored two goals. Prior to his move to England, he rose into the first-team of Corinthians as a youngster. He broke into their senior team and played 27 matches before heading over to Europe to develop his career.
Arsenal are well-drilled in defence with Gabriel and William Saliba forming a formidable partnership. Murillo would be great competition for the pair though. He would help keep both of them on their toes.
Praise for Arsenal target Murillo at Nottingham Forest
Arsenal could see Murillo as someone to boost their defensive department. He has proved himself in the top flight at Nottingham Forest. If he joined the Gunners, he would give them another option to pick from at the back.
Speaking on Match of the Day, ex-goalkeeper and now pundit Joe Hart heaped praise on him and said: "It's a great opportunity to look at Nottingham Forest's defensively and it's a really interesting partnership between Murillo and (Nikola) Milenkovic. Murillo is definitely the front-foot defender of the two, always looking to come out and be aggressive, take the ball and drive Nottingham Forest on. He's got a real art of taking the ball off people's toes and pushing them forward. Then when he doesn't take it, his partner in crime is there nice and calm when he does come out in Milenkovic to tidy up after him.
"They complement each other so well. Murillo knows he can get on the front foot and turn the ball over. Murillo is good in the air, he's always on the front foot. If he's up against Michail Antonio. It looks like a really good combination.”
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