Chelsea interested in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo as they look to replace Thiago Silva
Chelsea are interested in Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo, talkSPORT understands.
The Brazilian has caught the attention of the new Blues coach Enzo MarescaHowever, Forest are unlikely to let the defender leave cheaply.
Forest bosses value the 21-year-old at around £70m, a huge increase on the £11.2m they paid Brazilian side Corinthians last summer.
Murillo's first Premier League campaign was a huge success and he was subsequently named Forest's Player of the Year.
Chelsea have since inquired about the Brazilian's availability as his age and profile fit the club's transfer philosophy.
The west side of London is looking for a substitute for Thiago Silva who recently left the club as Meresca searches for more defensive steel ahead of his team's assault on the Premier League and Europa Conference League next season.
first city of leicester Currently, the coach has Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Alfie Gilchrist and Axel Disasi to call up in the center of defence.
The Blues could also take advantage of Forest's current financial constraints, which led to a four-point deduction last season.
The Midlands club are under pressure to raise much-needed funds before June 30 to comply with the Premier League's Sustainability and Profit Rules.
The sale of defender Moussa Niakhate could help the club avoid further sanctions as the defender is on track to move to a French Ligue 1 club.
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The Senegalese star is the subject of an offer deemed too good to be rejected by Forest and interested parties are in talks.
The 28-year-old made 21 Premier League appearances last season as Forest avoided relegation to the Championship.
Chelsea faces Manchester City in their first game of the new season and are preparing for the 2024/25 Premier League campaign with friendlies against Wrexham, Celtic and City.
