Arsenal are now serious about signing Murillo, who Mikel Arteta is a personal fan of, amid fresh updates on whether Nottingham Forest will consider a sale.
The Gunners are looking to bring in a new centre-back and, as Arteta confirmed before the North London derby, Gabriel is expected to be sidelined for a relatively long period of time, with the manager saying: “Unfortunately, Gabi sustained an injury with the Brazilian national team and will be out for several weeks.”
“Obviously it’s a blow. For me it’s never a positive because he’s the leader on the back line. The good thing is we have very good options. We just need to get up and do the job now.”
As Arteta has pointed out, the Gunners have several quality back-up options, with Cristian Mosquera, who has kept five clean sheets this season, the natural successor to the Brazilian at the heart of defence.
However, the 21-year-old Spaniard is still relatively inexperienced and the North Londoners are now interested in signing a new centre-back ahead of the January transfer window.
Arsenal are currently serious about signing Murillo
According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are currently serious about signing Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, with his current club willing to let him leave if he receives an offer of between €80m and €90m (£70m to £79m).
The Gunners believe the 23-year-old can make an immediate impact in defence, despite already having signed Gabriel and William Saliba, and Arteta is personally a fan of the Forest star’s progressive style of play.
However, there could be a major battle for the centre-back, with London rivals Chelsea also mentioned as candidates, along with La Liga giants FC Barcelona.
The Brazilian has been a key player for Tricky Trees so far this season, making 12 appearances in all competitions, with perhaps his best performance coming in Saturday afternoon’s 3-0 win over Liverpool.
The Gunners’ chances of winning the Premier League were boosted after Forest emerged as shock winners at Anfield, with the former Brazil international scoring the opening goal and making a number of other key contributions.
Murillo’s performance against Liverpool | completed number |
clearance | 13 |
blocked shot | 3 |
Duel (win) | 6(5) |
tackle | 2 |
The Sao Paulo-born defender, hailed as “monstrous” by journalist Ryan Taylor, could have what it takes to become one of the best defenders in the world, but he will be extremely difficult to force into Arteta’s plans.
Gabriel and Saliba have formed a formidable partnership, with the Gunners having by far the best defensive record in the Premier League this season, with Mosquera proving himself as a solid back-up.
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The talented Arsenal star could be just the solution Arteta needs ahead of the north London derby.
