Sources: Chelsea told ‘£80m’ Murillo offer may be accepted, he could force the move
Chelsea could land Murillo next summer if they meet Nottingham Forest‘s high valuation for the defender.
As Enzo Maresca looks to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal for the title, Football Insider revealed in September that Chelsea are working to sign a new centre-back to bolster their squad and push for Premier League glory.
On their watchlist, former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Murillo is one of Chelsea’s top targets to land in January.
Hell-bent on strengthening their backline ahead of the rest of the season, January could see Chelsea increase their pursuit of Murillo, including an eye-watering bid in the offing.
‘No chance’ of January move for Murillo as summer could bring about fresh opportunity for Chelsea
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Blues may have to bide their time in acquiring the Brazilian.
Sources told Football Insider that Nottingham Forest will block Chelsea from approaching Murillo in January, with the defender a vital part of Sean Dyche’s plans at the City Ground.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over Maresca potentially re-visiting the 23-year-old next summer, I explained: “Maybe in the summer it remains to be seen if Murillo would maybe push for a move away in search of playing at the highest level.
“Playing Champions League football as well, but he isn’t going to come cheap. Let’s not get away with that either.
“I don’t think Forest would let a player like Murillo leave for anything less than £70-80million as well and [there’s] no chance he leaves in the January window.
“I’m sure those clubs that are interested in the likes of Chelsea are aware of that.
“Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in the Brazilian they will continue to keep tabs on them and maybe re-evaluate in the summer.”
Nottingham Forest could reverse stance on Murillo exit if they land Stefan de Vrij
Whilst the Garibaldi are reluctant to part with the number five, if they find a suitable centre-back replacement a deal may be back on the table for the Blues sooner than anticipated.
Sources told Football Insider that Nottingham Forest are keeping tabs on Stefan de Vrij ahead of the January transfer window.
The Dutchman has been at Inter since 2018-19, yet has had to settle for a play on the bench this season due to the prominence of other defenders.
The 33-year-old is set to leave the Italian giants at the end of the season on a free, suggesting Cristian Chivu may opt to cash in in the upcoming transfer window for a cut-price, suiting Forest.