Enzo Maresca has got to be pleased with how Chelsea’s season is going, especially after their 2-0 win against Burnley on Saturday.
That victory has taken Chelsea to second in the Premier League table, with Manchester City unable to beat Newcastle United.
Who was your player of the match vs Burnley?
Tosin Adarabioyo had a good game, as did the Blues’ other defenders. However, it looks like a new centre-back could still arrive at Stamford Bridge in January or next summer.
Since the last transfer window, Chelsea have been linked with several centre-halves, including Nottingham Forest’s Murillo.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca offering instructions during the Carabao Cup tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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Murillo a ‘key’ target for Enzo Maresca
Earlier this year, it was claimed that Chelsea were ready to sign Murillo for huge money during the January transfer window. At the time, that interest may have been driven by Maresca.
According to CaughtOffside, the Chelsea manager has identified the 23-year-old as a “key defensive target”.
Murillo has been an important player for Forest, making nine appearances in the Premier League this season. Last term, he played 36 games for them.
Chelsea already have Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and Josh Acheampong for the centre-back positions.
Levi Colwill will also be an option when he returns from his ACL injury. Nevertheless, it appears that Chelsea are still keeping their eyes on the centre-half market.
Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
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Chelsea’s defensive record has been good this season
Murillo is a quality defender; he could make a solid Chelsea defence even sturdier.
Liam Delap recently discussed Murillo, claiming that the Brazilian is the toughest player he has faced.
Delap and Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Burnley saw them keep their third consecutive clean sheet in the Premier League, their seventh in total this season.
Chelsea have only conceded 11 goals in 12 matches as well. Of late, then, their defence has been a real wall, and the addition of Murillo would only make it stronger if they can get a deal over the line in the January transfer window.