Arsenal and Chelsea in race for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo
Murillo’s rise and why it matters
For readers less familiar with English football, Nottingham Forest is a historic club that was once one of Europe’s biggest forces, winning back to back European Cups in 1979 and 1980. In recent years, however, Forest has fought primarily to remain in the Premier League. This season, despite going through three managers, they managed to qualify for European competition for the first time in 30 years, a feat that has placed several players under the spotlight.
Murillo, a 23-year-old Brazilian centre-back who joined Forest in 2023, has quickly developed a reputation for calm defending, strong ball control and positional awareness. His performances, combined with the team’s improved visibility, have drawn interest from major clubs. According to the Daily Mail, Murillo believes he is ready for a higher level of competition and is expected to consider his options in the summer window.
Interest from Arsenal and Chelsea
Arsenal reportedly entered the race in September, according to the Daily Mail, with manager Mikel Arteta viewing Murillo as a player capable of competing with established defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. Arsenal’s recruitment strategy in recent seasons has focused on strengthening its defensive stability, and Murillo fits the profile of a young, progressive defender with long term potential.
Chelsea’s interest, however, is said to predate Arsenal’s. The same Daily Mail report describes Chelsea as “long-term admirers” of Murillo. Club sources told our publication on November 28 that Chelsea remain firmly interested, though they have been warned there is “no chance” of securing him at a reduced price. Chelsea’s defensive depth has been tested this season, with Levi Colwill sidelined by a long-term ACL injury and uncertainty around the form and future of Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi.
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Forest’s stance and the financial picture
Forest find themselves in a position where several players, including Murillo, Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White, have gained significant market value. Although Murillo signed a new contract in January, that renewal is not expected to block a transfer. Forest are expected to demand a substantial fee, with figures of at least £70 million mentioned in recent reporting, according to the Daily Mail.
For a club still stabilizing financially after years outside the top tier, such a fee would help support long term squad building. Yet losing Murillo would also mean parting with arguably their most complete young defender.
Broader transfer context in Europe
Competition for defensive talent is increasing across Europe. Real Madrid are also monitoring Murillo’s development as they assess future reinforcements, according to the Daily Mail. Meanwhile, Arsenal are exploring additional attacking options, with French outlets reporting that the club have made what was described as a “strong move” for a Paris Saint-Germain forward.
Chelsea, preparing for the possibility of missing out on Murillo, have identified alternatives. According to sources in Germany, the club are drafting a €55 to €60 million proposal for a leading Bundesliga defender, reflecting a wider trend of Premier League clubs investing heavily to address long term defensive gaps.
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What this pursuit reveals about the Premier League landscape
The growing interest in Murillo highlights how intensely competitive recruitment has become among England’s top sides. Arsenal and Chelsea are not only rivals on the pitch but also in long term project building, squad renewal and the search for young talent capable of shaping future title challenges. Forest’s resurgence has inadvertently placed them at the center of this market pressure, forcing them to balance ambition with financial reality.
Sources:
Daily Mail, French media reporting, club sources speaking to our publication.
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