Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday as Mikel Arteta's side gear up for a return to Premier League action, and they'll be facing a familiar foe in Ange Postecoglou.
After the shock announcement of Nuno Espirito Santo's departure, just months after he guided Forest back to Europe following a stellar 2024/2025 campaign, it was quickly confirmed that Postecoglou would replace the Portuguese.
Arsenal's confirmed summer signings Price tag
Kepa Arrizabalaga £5m
Martin Zubimendi £60m
Christian Norgaard £15m
Noni Madueke £52m
Cristhian Mosquera £13m
Viktor Gyokeres £55m
Eberechi Eze £67.5m
Piero Hincapie Loan
The Australian, who helped to end Tottenham's 17-year wait for a major trophy with victory in the Europa League final, is back in the dugout and couldn't ask for a tougher debut away to Premier League title-chasing Arsenal.
Fresh off the back of a serious summer of spending, totalling north of £250 million, the Gunners are aiming to put their 1-0 loss to Liverpool behind them with a convincing victory at the expense of Postecoglou.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou arrives before the match
Arteta will be without Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for the clash on Saturday, giving Postecoglou a slight boost, and it appears Arteta's bad luck with injuries hasn't let up heading into this new season.
Despite already signing both Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera in the summer, Arteta is believed to be prioritising more strength in depth amid his trouble with player fitness, and this plan comes as a worry for Postecoglou and Forest.
Arsenal believe Mosquera could be one of the best in the world in a few years, but for now, Andrea Berta and co have their eyes on established Forest star Murillo.
Arsenal looking at Murillo deal in worry for Postecoglou
That is according to ex-Premier League chief scout Mick Brown, who's worked at both Man United and Blackburn.
Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal are looking at signing Murillo, and perhaps the allure of joining a big six side could prove to be too much of a temptation for the Brazilian.
“Arsenal are one of the clubs having a look at Murillo,” Brown said.
“He’s been a major, major part of Forest’s success, and he had a fantastic season last year, so I can’t image they’ll be willing to let him leave.
“Arteta wants to have a squad of players where, if somebody gets injured, there’s another option waiting to step straight into their place without it impacting the team. They want to challenge for the Premier League title and compete in Europe, and for that you need a strong squad, so they’re constantly on the look-out for quality players.
“It’s become a priority for them because when they got injuries to key players last season, it completely derailed them and they really felt the effects. At the moment, if Saliba or Gabriel get injured for any period of time, they’re going to notice it.
“They’ve got White who can play there, and so can players like Timber or Calafiori, but none of them are out-and-out centre-backs.
“Murillo would be one of those, and if somebody like a Gabriel or a Saliba did get injured, he would be able to step in without having a negative impact on the team.”
The 23-year-old started 36 Premier League games as a mainstay for Forest last season, helping them to qualify for the Europa League, and this isn't the first time he's been linked with a move to Arsenal, so this could be one to watch in the near future.