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Chelsea among clubs interested in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo?

Chelsea among clubs interested in Forest defender Murillo?
© Reuters
Chelsea are allegedly among a number of clubs across Europe that hold an interest in signing Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for a number of clubs across Europe.

The 21-year-old only made the switch to the City Ground at the end of August, choosing to leave Corinthians in a deal said to worth €15m.

Since then, Murillo has shown the qualities required to make a long-lasting impression in the Premier League, effectively becoming the club's first-choice centre-back with 23 starts made since his debut at the beginning of October.

Although Forest have generally under-performed this campaign, Murillo has been one of the shining lights in the team under either Steve Cooper or Nuno Espirito Santo.

Murillo penned a five-year contract when joining Forest, yet his performances have ensured that he will generate interest in the summer, whether the East Midlands outfit remain in the top flight or are relegated to the Championship.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo before the match on February 28, 2024© Reuters

The situation is complicated by the financial pressure that Forest are under, with a four-point deduction being handed out earlier this week for breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Furthermore, it has been speculated that another big-money sale will have to be made by June 30 to ensure that Forest comply with the rules or face another punishment.

According to the Daily Mail, there is such widespread interest in Murillo that it is a realistic possibility that he could attract the level of financial proposal required.

As many as six top European clubs are said to be monitoring the situation, including Chelsea who may be in the market for a younger replacement for Thiago Silva ahead of the veteran's likely departure on a free transfer.

Co-owner and Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly reacts after the match on March 11, 2024© Reuters

Chelsea, themselves, also face pressure to comply with the regulations, though, and it is plausible that they may have to wait until after the aforementioned June 30 date when accounts are due to be filed.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are the other clubs that are mentioned as admirers of Murillo.

There is Brazilian representation in some capacity at each club, whether that be on or off the pitch, but like Chelsea, PSG have been the most active in the Brazilian market of late, signing Lucas Beraldo and Gabriel Moscardo.

Murillo is a former teammate of the latter at Corinthians, Moscardo having made his senior debut just two months after Murillo made his senior bow in April.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


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