Chelsea are battling some of their biggest Premier League rivals in the race to land Nottingham Forest defender Murillo this summer, and Joe Cole is a big fan.
Liam Rosenior and Chelsea are expected to be in the market for a new, leading centre-back at the end of the season, after missing out on Liverpool signing Jeremy Jacquet during the January transfer window.
Especially, with Chelsea now open to selling three centre-backs. Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile are expected to leave the club this summer, and Chelsea are also willing to cash in on Trevoh Chalobah.
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Forest want £50m for Murillo.
The Blues have been linked with many centre-backs from Kim Min-jae and Jules Kounde to Jacobo Ramon and Marcos Senesi. The latest to be touted with a move to Chelsea is Nottingham Forest star Murillo.
What Joe Cole has said about Murillo in the past
In the opinion of many, Chelsea lack an experienced head at the back. One that the likes of Chalobah, Josh Acheampong, Jorrel Hato and other young Chelsea defenders can learn from. Like Thiago Silva.
Nottingham Forest Murillo running with the ball
Credit: Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Well, in 2025, Joe Cole raved about Brazil international Murillo on TNT Sports – as per Nottingham Forest News – and claimed that the Forest defender is following in the footsteps of Chelsea icon Silva.
“Brilliantly Brazilian. There’s been a lineage of Brazilian centre-halves like Thiago Silva. Again, what a find, what a player he’s [Murillo] been. You can see, from talking to Forest fans, they absolutely love him.”
What competition do Chelsea face in the race for Murillo?
Chelsea are advancing in talks to sign Murillo, who has sparkled in a Forest shirt since his move from Corinthians. But they are not the only side trying to nab the defender, who is rated at a huge £50m.
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Indeed, Liverpool are also interested in signing Murillo despite the addition of Jacquet, and Arne Slot confirming talks are underway to keep Ibrahima Konate. Tottenham and Man United are also keen.
But Spurs and Man United are some way behind in the race for Murillo. Whether Chelsea can get a deal over the line remains to be seen, but it might be that room is needed before Chelsea make signings.
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