Sources close to the agents’ industry say that Chelsea are the most likely place for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo to go because the Blues have done the most research on him over the past year. Since joining from Corinthians, the 23-year-old center-back has become one of the Premier League’s most promising defensive players.
Nottingham Forest are said to want more than £60–70 million for Murillo, which is a lot of money for a player who is still in the process of developing in England and whose contract is up soon. In January 2025, the defender signed a new four-year deal with Forest that runs until 2029. There is no release clause in the deal, which gives the club significant leverage in any potential transfer talks.
Murillo had the most clearances in the Premier League in 2024–25, with 242, and he was named Forest’s Player of the Season in his first season. Forest only paid £15 million to sign Murillo from Corinthians in August 2023.
Chelsea and Liverpool have reportedly done more scouting on Murillo than any other club in the last year. In fact, both clubs even considered making bids last summer. But Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur have all been keeping a close eye on Murillo, which could lead to a bidding war between the biggest teams in the Premier League.
There have been some rumors about clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, but it looks like Murillo would rather stay in England. Sources close to the 23-year-old say that his camp is actively looking at possible landing spots. The chances are growing that this summer will be the time he finally makes the jump to a top-six club.
Blues Plan To Change Their Defense After Levi Colwill’s Injury Setback
Chelsea’s search for a defender has accelerated this season due to their defensive injury problems. Levi Colwill had successful surgery on an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament that he got during pre-season training. This meant that the club have had to go most of the season without one of their most trusted defenders.
This summer, the West London club plan to make big changes to their defense. Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Trevoh Chalobah. This could speed up their search for another central defender. This planned exodus would give the team more money and more room on the roster to go after big-name players like Murillo.
Chelsea are still interested, even though the club have brought back Mamadou Sarr and are waiting for Levi Colwill to get better. The Blues face significant competition, especially from Liverpool, who just signed Jeremy Jacquet, which could affect the Murillo race.