“I know there was interest” – £50m Brazilian star confirms Chelsea links but says he’d rather move to Manchester City

Enzo Maresca has strong interest in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo

Potential Chelsea target, Brazilian defender Murillo from Nottingham Forest, has revealed that he is interested in playing for Manchester City. The Forest defender is one of the stronger targets for the West London club, with Premier League clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool also linked with the Brazilian.

After signing Tosin Adarabioyo to strengthen the defensive line, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is in the transfer market for a new centre-back to bolster his squad. Following the departure of veteran defender Thiago Silva from the West London club, they need to reinforce their backline ahead of the new season. Maresca aims to fill the void in Chelsea’s defence with suitable additions this summer.

Murillo joined Nottingham Forest following his departure from his boyhood club Corinthians last summer. The 22-year-old’s stellar campaign at the City Ground helped the club finish 16th in the table. His contributions in defence were crucial in preventing Forest’s relegation, earning him the club’s Player of the Season award.

As quoted by the Standard, Murillo has shared his interest in playing for Pep Guardiola’s side in the upcoming season.

“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.

“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,”

On the Benja Me Mucho podcast, Murillo expressed his desire to join Manchester City. Chelsea was asked to pay £50 million for the Brazilian’s services by Forest, and the West London club is trying to negotiate the price by offering a player-plus-cash deal. The interest from other Premier League clubs poses a threat to the Blues, as they can offer a substantial deal for him. Chelsea has already started their summer signing spree and has added five players to the squad. At this point, Chelsea must negotiate effectively with Forest for Murillo’s deal.

Chelsea need Murillo

Enzo Maresca is currently searching for a left-footed defender to bolster his squad, and he sees the young Brazilian defender from Nottingham Forest as the best option for the role. Maresca can also consider him a perfect replacement for his countryman Thiago Silva. As Murillo expresses his desire to move from Nottingham, Chelsea would make an earnest effort to secure the Brazilian’s services.

The Italian manager could line up Chelsea with a five-man defence, a strategy that requires three centre-backs and two full-backs who can also revert into midfield. Marc Cucurella and Reece James would be his primary full-back options, and Maresca needs someone to join Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill. Wesley Fofana missed the previous season due to injury, and his reliability for the upcoming season is uncertain. Additionally, the expected exit of Trevoh Chalobah worsens the club’s situation.

Murillo, who can control the game from his position and has the ability to read the game and anticipate attacking moves, makes him a perfect option for the West London club. Chelsea would be an ideal stage for a player like Murillo who wants to develop his abilities and football skills.

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Given the high demand for Murillo in the transfer market, Chelsea should consider other strategies to secure him from Nottingham Forest.