Murillo makes a goal line clearance against Manchester City.placeholder image
Murillo makes a goal line clearance against Manchester City. | Getty Images
Nottingham Forest defender Murillo was singled out for praise after his performance against Manchester City.
Chelsea and Arsenal summer transfer target Murillo has been hailed as ‘the best in the league’ at last-ditch clearances after heroics for Nottingham Forest in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Wednesday night.
The Gunners may already be in debt to the 23-year-old, should the latest dropped City points prove crucial in the Premier League title race. With the scores level, Savinho looked to be on the verge of a last minute winner, only to see his shot cleared off the line by Murillo.
It’s been a head-turning season for the Brazilian, who has been a shining light despite struggles at Nottingham Forest. Murillo has been imperious at the heart of defence and, subsequently, linked with a summer transfer to Chelsea or Arsenal.
Arsenal and Chelsea summer target shines once again
TeamTALK recently claimed that Chelsea are ‘leading the pursuit’ with ‘extensive groundwork’ conducted over the past 12 months. The Blues even considered a bid for the player last summer with his ball-playing abilities fitting what is needed at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal and Liverpool are also named as potential suitors with a big £70 million price tag put on the player’s head. Murillo’s latest work certainly won’t see that valuation go down.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Mark Chapman labelled the defender as ‘the best in the Premier League at goal line clearances’. Meanwhile, having criticised Manchester City’s defensive diligence, former Premier League defender Micah Richards said: “This is the defending I’m talking about, Murillo. It’s the last minute of the game, you know Manchester City are going to be applying that pressure.
“The defender to bail you out of trouble in the end. You always say to your defender, don’t go back on the line and play everyone onside, but when it’s like this he does the right thing.”
Murillo’s camp are said to be actively assessing opportunities for the player to make the move to a top six team in the Premier League. There is also believed to be interest from Europe with Bayern Munich linked and supposedly confident of beating Premier League interest. Murillo is contracted at the City Ground until 2029, which would give the Midlands outfit negotiating power.
In other news, Arsenal's next five games compared to title rivals Man City as lead extended.
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