Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool Lock Horns in £50m Race for Nottingham Forest Star Murillo
Chelsea are reportedly showing firm interest in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, setting the stage for a fierce summer transfer battle with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool. The Brazilian centre-back, who is eager to leave The City Ground for a top-six club, has become one of the most sought-after defensive talents in English football.
Groundwork Laid for Summer Swoop
Despite having a wealth of centre-back options including Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Josh Acheampong, Chelsea have been actively preparing for a potential move for Murillo over the past year. Sources indicate that both Chelsea and Liverpool have conducted the most extensive preliminary work on securing the defender's signature.
Murillo's representatives are currently assessing potential destinations for the 23-year-old, with a move to an elite Premier League club appearing increasingly likely. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur have also been monitoring the player extensively and remain in contention for what promises to be one of the summer's most competitive transfer pursuits.
Nottingham Forest's £50 Million Valuation
Nottingham Forest are fully aware of Murillo's desire to depart and have placed a £50 million price tag on their prized asset. The defender signed a new four-year contract in January 2025 that contains no release clause, giving Forest significant negotiating leverage in any potential transfer discussions.
Forest initially acquired Murillo from Corinthians for just £15 million in August 2023, and the Brazilian has since made 100 appearances for the club, establishing himself as one of their most valuable players. His development has been so impressive that former Forest defender Joe Worrall declared him worth well north of £50 million a year ago, praising his defensive capabilities and reading of the game.
Defensive Qualities That Have Top Clubs Interested
Worrall, who played alongside Murillo at Forest, described the Brazilian as an amazing talent with exceptional defensive attributes. "He's quick, strong, can head it, reads danger really well," Worrall told The Guardian. "That's something you watch for with players who are good with the ball who play centre-back. They dribble with it and they pass it and whatever, but can they defend? He can read danger."
The former Forest captain emphasized Murillo's positional intelligence, noting that his ability to be "in the right place at the right time" was no coincidence but rather a product of his exceptional game awareness. Worrall added that it would be a travesty if Forest accepted anything less than £50 million for the defender.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the competition for Murillo's signature is expected to intensify, with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool leading the chase for a player whose value has increased more than threefold since his arrival in England just three years ago.
