Chelsea Eyeing January Signing of Murillo
Chelsea is reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Nottingham Forest defender Murillo this January, as they have opted not to pursue Marc Guéhi, according to The Daily Express.
The Blues had been closely following Guéhi’s situation, particularly given his history at the Cobham Academy and his contract expiry at Crystal Palace coming up next summer.
However, with the England international now likely to move to either Liverpool or Real Madrid, Chelsea’s attention has shifted to Murillo, a player they have been interested in since the summer months.
As Chelsea looks to reshape their squad under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, the club continues to build a team capable of competing for the Premier League title.
Investments Under Maresca
During the recent summer transfer period, Chelsea made several high-profile acquisitions to enhance their squad following their success in the Club World Cup.
New signings like Joao Pedro, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jamie Gittens have added depth and quality to the team.
Maresca, known for his preference for a possession-based game that features defenders proficient with the ball, views Murillo as an excellent addition to his defense.
The 23-year-old Brazilian has shone since joining Nottingham Forest from Corinthians in 2023, quickly becoming one of the Premier League’s most promising young center-backs.
His ability to transition into midfield, distribute the ball effectively, and remain composed under pressure has drawn comparisons with top modern defenders such as Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos.
Shifting Focus from Guéhi to Murillo
Despite initial interest in Guéhi, Chelsea has reportedly decided against pursuing him, as he appears poised for a move to a larger club, with both Liverpool and Real Madrid showing strong interest.
Murillo’s performances have attracted attention from several elite clubs across Europe, including Barcelona and Arsenal, but Chelsea seems to be in a strong position in the ongoing competition for his signature.
The Guardian has described him as “one of the best defenders in the Premier League,” highlighting his rising profile.
Additionally, Chelsea’s ongoing injury challenges in defense this season have underscored the urgency for new signings.
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