Chelsea have now overtaken Liverpool in the race for a defensive “powerhouse”, who is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.
Blues willing to cash-in on three defenders this summer
The Blues are looking to reshuffle their defence in the summer transfer window, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealing they could be willing to offload three of their centre-backs, should the right offers arrive.
As such, Liam Rosenior may need to bring in several new defenders at the end of the season, especially considering the manager missed out on the signing of Jeremy Jacquet, who ultimately opted to join Liverpool.
The west Londoners are also battling the Merseysiders for the signature of Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly, who has a £43m price tag, and the Englishman is not the only centre-back of interest to both Premier League clubs.
Last week, it was revealed the entire Premier League ‘big six’ hold an interest in signing Nottingham Forest star Murillo, and there has since been a new update on Rosenior’s side’s pursuit of the defender.
According to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea have now overtaken Liverpool in the race for Murillo, who is known to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, but a deal could be a relatively costly operation.
The Tricky Trees could be set to hold out for a fee of £50m, amid interest from a number of top clubs, although they may have to cash-in for a lower fee, should they be unable to avoid relegation.
With Forest just three points above the bottom three as things stand, the 23-year-old’s future at the City Ground is now in serious doubt, and he is far too good to be playing in the Championship…
“Powerhouse” Murillo could be solid signing for Chelsea
Chelsea clearly aren’t happy with their current defensive options, given that they are willing to sell three of their centre-backs, and there are plenty of signs the Forest star could be a suitable replacement.
Chelsea now battling Liverpool in race to sign ex-Premier League defender in £43m deal
The Blues could get one over on their rivals.
Troy Deeney is particularly fond of the one-cap Brazil international, saying after he caught the eye against Liverpool back in November: “He was excellent. He’s becoming a powerhouse… I’m happy to see him playing like last season.”
The former Corinthians man is averaging 1.0 blocks per 90 in the Premier League, which is the eighth-highest number in the entire top flight, and he is averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.85, the third-highest in the Forest squad.
As such, it is no wonder so many top clubs are queuing up for Murillo, who has proven he could be ready to make the move to Chelsea, so it is promising news they have overtaken Liverpool in the race.