Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo has emerged as one of the most coveted defensive targets heading into the summer transfer window, with Chelsea and Liverpool reportedly leading the race.
According to TEAMtalk, both clubs have made important groundwork in anticipation of a potential transfer for the 23-year-old Brazilian. He has impressed in the Premier League with his poise, athleticism and maturity beyond his years.
Download the official CaughtOffSide app to get all the latest news and updates straight to your phone. above apple & Google play
But the interest is not exclusive. Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham are also closely following Forest’s progress and are thought to be preparing for a multi-club battle should Forest accept an offer.
Mick Brown of Football Insider described Murillo as “fantastic”.
Murillo is in high demand among Premier League clubs
Since joining from Corinthians, Murillo has adapted smoothly to English football. He is strong in one-on-one duels and is comfortable stepping into midfield with the ball.
Murillo fits the profile of a modern centre-back coveted by elite clubs.
His left-footed balance gives him added tactical value, especially for teams looking for a natural distribution from the back.
It is expected that he could explore a move this summer if a Champions League-level side shows formal interest.
Chelsea and Liverpool plan to restructure their defenses
Chelsea appear to be preparing for a restructuring of their defence. The club are reportedly re-evaluating the balance of their squad and are open to offers for Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoît Badiasire and Trevo Chalobah.
Chelsea have invested heavily in young players in recent seasons and remain keen to refine their defensive unit to better align with their long-term tactical plans.
At Liverpool, uncertainty surrounds the futures of Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.
Virgil van Dijk remains the keystone of the defense, but succession planning is clearly underway.
Liverpool’s recruitment department prioritizes players who can play in a high defensive line, and Murillo’s speed of recovery and distribution make him a natural candidate.
Arsenal, Man United and Tottenham are all monitoring Murillo extensively.
Each club faces unique defensive issues, whether related to depth, injuries, or long-term evolution.
Chelsea made controversial transfer move to sign ‘unstoppable’ Tottenham star in January
