Chelsea’s search for a centre-back in the recently closed January transfer window reportedly included a failed attempt to sign Nottingham Forest’s standout defender, Murillo.
The 22-year-old Brazilian, who joined Forest from Corinthians in 2023 for £15million, had made fewer than 30 senior appearances in Brazilian football before moving to England.
Since then, he has played a crucial role in Forest’s survival fight last season and their impressive challenge for Champions League qualification this term.
Murillo’s value has skyrocketed, with reports suggesting he is now worth around £80million, making him a prime example of Forest’s successful recruitment strategy, which has benefited from lessons learned after their costly signings in the 2022/23 campaign.
Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on Murillo, with the Daily Telegraph reporting that the Blues targeted the Brazilian “early” in the January window.
However, Forest’s refusal to consider selling him would have led to a “record sale” for the club – one that would exceed the £47.5million fee received for Brennan Johnson in 2023.
Forest’s priority in January was to retain their high-performing squad in the hope of achieving their best league finish since placing third in 1994/95.
Chelsea’s interest in Murillo came after Wesley Fofana was ruled out for an extended period with injury at the start of January.
Furthermore, Axel Disasi was not in favour with manager Enzo Maresca and was eventually loaned out on deadline day, prompting the Blues to target a new centre-back.
In addition to Murillo, Chelsea considered Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who was sold by the Blues for £18million in 2021 and had a significant bid from Tottenham Hotspur late in the window.
Chelsea also recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Palace on January 15, likely following their failed attempt to sign Murillo.
At present, Chelsea’s centre-back options include Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Josh Acheampong.
Benoit Badiashile is recovering from a thigh injury and could make his return this month, while Aaron Anselmino has joined the squad but is yet to be assigned a shirt number.
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