Chelsea set sights on signing ‘amazing’ defender in January
Chelsea have had a mixed start to the season so far and have struggled to find consistency in the Premier League’s early stages.
Enzo Maresca’s side beat Liverpool 2-1 in dramatic scenes at Stamford Bridge, but sit seventh after seven games, with three wins, two draws and two defeats.
Defensive issues both on and off the pitch, with growing concerns about injuries and suspensions, have prevented the Blues from pushing higher up the table.
Levi Colwill‘s injury at the start of the season had raised concerns about the lack of cover, before Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana were also dealt blows.
As a result, Football Insider revealed on 29 September that Chelsea are working to sign a new centre-back, with the position becoming a priority for Maresca.
Chelsea set sights on signing Nottingham Forest’s Murillo
One name at the top of Chelsea’s list of targets is Murillo, the Nottingham Forest defender who received high acclaim for his performances last season.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 23-year-old has emerged as a standout option for Maresca.
Chelsea failed to sign Murillo in January when he opted to renew his terms at the City Ground, but there is a growing feeling he could now be tempted away.
“Murillo has done a really, really good job for Forest,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He was a big part of their success last season, but it hasn’t quite clicked for him or for them this season so a few questions might start being asked.
“Chelsea need a centre-back, they’re not good enough at the back to challenge for the title.
“They are aware of that and it’s something they’re going to look at in January, because they’ve suffered a lot of injuries already this season.
“Murillo of course will be on their radar, he has been for a while because he’s been fantastic for Nottingham Forest, and they’re not the only club looking at him.
“If Forest continue to struggle, they could look to take advantage of that situation to tempt him away.
“I think he’d certainly be an improvement on what they’ve got currently, the likes of [Trevoh] Chalobah and the rest of them who’ve been called upon.
“If it’s a deal they think can be done, then it wouldn’t surprise me to see them make a move, because I’m told he’s definitely somebody they’re looking at.”
High praise for Murillo has not just come from those outside of the game, but also his teammates, as former Forest defender Joe Worrall labelled him “amazing” [The Guardian]
Enzo Maresca concerned about Chelsea’s defensive issues
Chelsea’s defensive issues have caused concerns for Maresca, who is expected to deliver results at Stamford Bridge following last season’s success.
Brown told Football Insider on 22 September that Chelsea have “no chance” of competing with Arsenal and Liverpool as a result of their ongoing defensive issues.
Those claims were echoed as Jamie Carragher insisted Chelsea won’t challenge for the title this season as their centre-backs and goalkeeper are not good enough.
As a result, Chelsea are looking at defensive reinforcements, with a number of stars already on their radar ahead of the January transfer window.
The Blues have not been shy to spend big in an attempt to improve their squad in recent seasons and are expected to make moves to strengthen again in the mid-season window.
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