After Chelsea lost Levi Colwill to a long-term injury, Nottingham Forest fans may have been concerned that Enzo Maresca’s side may rekindle their interest in Brazilian star Murillo.
The Blues’ interest in Murillo is no secret and dates back to the January window, where enquiries were made but no official bid made it across Evangelos Marinakis’ desk.
Back in April, Chelsea’s interest in Murillo resurfaced ahead of a potential summer move to Stamford Bridge, but again this interest has not turned into an offer of any sort.
However, Chelsea could now require a star of Murillo’s calibre to cover Colwill’s anterior cruciate ligament injury. In response, Nottingham Forest News has spoken to Graeme Bailey about whether Forest should brace for an offer.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty ImagesWhether Chelsea will make a bid for Nottingham Forest star Murillo
After signing a new contract in January, Forest put a world-record price tag on Murillo to put off the host of top European clubs monitoring his progress, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the free-spending Blues push ahead with a bid.
However, Bailey has told Nottingham Forest News that, in response to the Colwill injury, Chelsea are very unlikely to make a move for Murillo in the summer window, given that they have a number of options already in Maresca’s squad to cover the position.
A relief for Forest fans, Murillo is continuing to grow into one of Europe’s top defenders. Murillo has looked brilliant in pre-season training as the Premier League season draws ever closer, a campaign that may see the Brazilian star adopt a new role in the Forest squad.
Murillo can become a true leader for Nottingham Forest this season
It’s almost hard to believe that Murillo is now one of the experienced heads in Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad, with two full seasons in the Premier League.
This experience could now see the 23-year-old elevate himself into a leadership role at the City Ground, with two young defenders in the squad who could benefit from his expertise.
Jair Cunha admitted he was inspired by Murillo when making his move over from Botafogo this summer, leaving him in an almost identical position to his Brazilian compatriot in 2023.
Forest Academy graduate Zach Abbott is also entering a crucial season in his development after earning a number of appearances under Espírito Santo last season, with Murillo’s path into the first team a road he can follow.