Chelsea’s priority come the summer window is likely to be a new defender after the club attempted to sign Jeremy Jacquet in January, and a new name has emerged on the Stamford Bridge radar.
Instead, Chelsea failed to bring in any defenders during the winter window. Jacquet was not the only option, with Marcos Senesi and Jacobo Ramon also targeted, but the Blues stuck with what they have.
Mamadou Sarr was recalled, and on Friday, the African Cup of Nations winner was superb in his first start for Chelsea. Sarr joined an illustrious list of Chelsea stars to win on their first start by four or more goals.
But the need for another centre-back remains at Stamford Bridge, not in terms of depth, but in terms of quality. Liam Rosenior has a whole heap of options, but none that are certainties to start matches.
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Up top, Joao Pedro is first choice. In goal, Robert Sanchez. In midfield, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer will start if fit. But at centre-back? Who knows. Chelsea lack star quality in defence.
Estevao loves Chelsea’s latest target but he’ll cost £50m
According to reports, Chelsea are looking to rectify that problem by signing Nottingham Forest star Murillo. The Brazilian is also a target for Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham come the summer.
Chelsea and Liverpool are deemed most advanced in talks, with Forest slapping a £50m price tag on his shoulders. But if Chelsea needed any more convincing, then they should listen to teenage ace Estevao.
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Before moving to London, Estevao remained at Palmeiras despite having been snapped up by the Blues and during that period, Estevao said he spoke to Murillo before eventually arriving at Chelsea.
“They come and talk to me, give me tips. Murillo, Savinho… I ask them how this is, how that is. These things are important for getting there to have less difficulty in adapting,” he told ESPN in 2025.
While the duo have not been teammates, they are both Brazil international and their paths crossed many times while playing for Corinthians and Palmeiras in the Brazilian Serie A. A familiar face for Estevao.
Estevao will be delighted but a defensive reshuffle is required
While Murillo will easily be one of Chelsea’s best centre-backs if signed, the Blues need to make room. Axel Disasi and Aaron Anselmino are on loan, while there are a few that need to be sold this summer.
If you could spend £50m on a centre-back, who are YOU choosing? 💵
Forest want £50m for Murillo.
Benoit Badiashile is likely to be considered for a sale, while Disasi will surely leave permanently. Then there is Trevoh Chalobah, who Chelsea are supposedly considering selling at the end of the season.
Anselmino and Sarr may be given another loan spell away from the club before being integrated, while injured duo Tosin and Levi Colwill may be kept rotationally. Ultimately, three or four need to leave.
Especially, if Chelsea are going to delve into the market and splash £50m on a proven Premier League centre-back like Murillo. But first, Champions League qualification is key in order to nab his signature.
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