It is only the middle of February, and yet, Chelsea are already being linked with potential summer targets. The latest player to be touted with a move to Stamford Bridge is Nottingham Forest’s Murillo.
A player that Estevao knows well, 23-year-old Murillo has been linked with a move to one of the Premier League big boys ever since he first impressed for Forest. This summer, it looks inevitable he will leave.
The one-time Brazil star, who has now clocked up 100 appearances for Forest since his move from Brazilian side Corinthians, is renowned for his strength and his ability to drive into midfield on the ball.
If you could spend £50m on a centre-back, who are YOU choosing? 💵
Forest want £50m for Murillo.
According to reports, Chelsea are advancing in talks for £50m-rated Murillo. But Chelsea are not alone in their pursuit, with Liverpool, Man United and Tottenham also interested. Which move is best for him?
Why Murillo should pick Chelsea over Liverpool and Man United
Tottenham’s chances of qualifying for Europe next season are now almost zero, unless they go on a remarkable run and interim manager Igor Tudor wins all of their league games, or the Champions League.
Man United would be a better move for Murillo and one that makes more sense than Spurs. But United already have a ball-carrying, powerhouse defender in Harry Maguire. The Englishman is first choice.
Forest star Murillo is a target for Chelsea.
Photo by Paul Bonser/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The report says that Chelsea and Liverpool are ahead of Spurs and Man United in talks to sign the £50m defender. The need for centre-back additions at both clubs is certainly higher than over at Old Trafford.
With Jeremy Jacquet moving to Anfield, and Arne Slot confirming talks for Ibrahima Konate, there is a real chance that Murillo would warm the Liverpool bench behind Jacquet, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.
Why Chelsea is Murillo’s best move, he trumps the lot
Liam Rosenior would be able to tell you his best player for each position, apart from centre-back. In goal, Robert Sanchez. Up top, Joao Pedro. In midfield, Moises Caicedo. Left-back, Marc Cucurella, and so on.
The one area of Rosenior’s side that the Chelsea boss would not be able to tell you his first-choice player or players is at centre-back. The former Strasbourg gaffer has chopped and changed since signing on.
The Marc Guehi ship has sailed… Any experienced alternatives that come to mind ahead of this summer?
Antonio Rudiger? Ibrahima Konate? Marcos Senesi? 👀
Marc Guehi of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
There are two reasons. The first, Chelsea have so many options at centre-back, especially with Mamadou Sarr recalled. Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin, and Benoit Badiashile.
The second, Murillo is better than anything Chelsea have to offer at centre-back. It is a weak point in the side. While the rest of the team is title-challenging level, Chelsea’s centre-backs are mid-table at best.
Murillo would provide Rosenior with a defender who can be one of the first names on the team sheet. One that is a significant improvement on his teammates, and one that can finally stop rotation.
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