Nottingham Forest defender Murillo has confirmed Chelsea are interested in signing him this summer, adding that he is open to joining the Blues, Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester City.
The 22-year-old Brazilian joined Forest last summer from Corinthians in a deal worth around, going on to make 36 appearances in all competitions before being named player of the season.
Murillo has not been shy about his desire to move to a bigger club, previously telling Brazilian show Os Donos Da Bola that several teams across Europe had expressed interest and it was reciprocated.
Chelsea are in the market for a new centre-back, even after the addition of Tosin Adarabioyo, to add further competition after the departure of veteran Thiago Silva and the expected exit of Trevoh Chalobah. Chelsea are also reportedly interested in Arsenal target Riccardo Calafiori.
Murrillo has confirmed Chelsea’s interesting, telling Benja Me Mucho podcast: “I know there was a buzz of interest. So, I don’t know exactly how much the [asking price] amount is, but I know there was interest.
“I had the dream of playing in the Premier League and I had that thought. I thought: ‘I’ll go to Nottingham Forest, have a good year and then I’ll go to a big club’. I had that in my head.”
Murillo’s reported price tag of £50 million may prove too steep for the Blues, who have reportedly been exploring player-plus-cash deals to bring the price down on transfer targets. That would leave the door open for transfer rivals to swoop in, and Murillo would be open to joining several Premier League clubs.
“I’d choose Manchester City but it would be more difficult for me to be a regular starter given the players they have in their squad,” Murillo said.
“There’s City, Arsenal as well, who are fighting for the Premier League title. I wouldn’t discard Liverpool either, it would be a good opportunity for me to show my football in a big club.
“We don’t know anything for certain, the window opened last month so I’m going to return to Nottingham Forest for pre-season. There might be some discussions on whether I’ll stay or not so there’s a lot of things to happen still but I’m relaxed.”
