As The Pitch Prospect has learned, Chelsea are interested in Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo.
The Brazilian has caught the attention of new Blues boss Enzo Maresca, but Forest are unlikely to let the defender go cheaply.
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Forest chiefs value the 21-year-old at around £70million – a huge increase on the £11.2million they paid Brazilian club Corinthians last summer.
Murillo’s first season in the Premier League was a great success and he was subsequently named Forest’s Player of the Year.
Chelsea have since enquired about the Brazilian’s availability as his age and profile fit the club’s transfer philosophy.
The west Londoners are looking for a replacement for Thiago Silva, who recently left the club, while Meresca is looking for more defensive steel ahead of his side’s assault on the Premier League and Europa Conference League next season.
The former Leicester City head coach can currently rely on Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Alfie Gilchrist and Axel Disasi in central defence.
The Blues could also benefit from Forest’s ongoing financial constraints, which resulted in a four-point deduction last season.
The Midlands club are under pressure to raise much-needed funds before June 30 to meet Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
The sale of defender Moussa Niakhate could help the club avoid further sanctions as the defender is expected to move to a club in the French Ligue 1.
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The Senegalese star has received an offer he can’t refuse from Forest and talks between the interested parties are ongoing.
The 28-year-old made 21 appearances in the Premier League last season and helped his team avoid relegation to the Championship.
Chelsea face Manchester City in their first game of the new season and prepare for the 2024/25 Premier League season with friendlies against Wrexham, Celtic and City.