After missing out on Jeremy Jacquet, Chelsea could now sign Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.
In the January transfer window, Chelsea were keen on Jacquet, but the 20-year-old ended up joining Premier League rivals Liverpool instead.
It has forced the Blues to turn to alternatives, with Murillo one of them. In fact, it has already been claimed that Chelsea have made a move for Murillo.
Who would you prefer to see at Chelsea?
Kim Min-jae and Jules Kounde
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Considering that, how does the Brazilian compare with Jacquet in one significant defensive area?
Jeremy Jacquet in action for Rennes.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Jeremy Jacquet better in the air than Murillo
Jacquet may be a young defender, but the Frenchman can be quite dominant in the air. In fact, this season, he is actually doing better than Murillo in that department.
According to FotMob, Jacquet wins 1.99 aerial duels per 90 minutes and boasts a 75.5% aerial success rate.
As for Murillo, he wins 1.16 aerial duels per 90 minutes and has a success rate of 55.6%. Clearly, then, Jacquet is stronger in the air, or that has at least been the case this season.
If you could spend £50m on a centre-back, who are YOU choosing? 💵
Forest want £50m for Murillo.
Chelsea would have been disappointed when they learnt that Jacquet chose Liverpool. He obviously fits BlueCo’s transfer strategy, being just 20 years of age.
However, Chelsea do have other good options that they can turn to, such as Murillo.
Murillo of Nottingham Forest seen during the Premier league football match between Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace
Photo by Paul Bonser/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Murillo still worth pursuing
Murillo may not be the best aerial defender in European football, but that does not mean he would be a bad signing for Chelsea. The Brazil international has other valuable attributes.
He knows how to deal with danger, making 5.2 clearances per game in the Premier League this season, according to WhoScored. It is one of the highest averages in Forest’s squad.
Unlike Jacquet, he also brings Premier League experience to the table after making 86 appearances in the competition.
In this market, £50m for Murillo is not the worst fee to pay. He is definitely someone to keep an eye on this summer.
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