Chelsea to spend big again?! Blues linked with £51m transfer for Nottingham Forest cult hero Murillo

The Blues are showing serious interest in the centre-back and have already sounded out Forest about a possible deal,UOLreports. Forest are demanding £51 million ($64m) for the 21-year-old, but Chelsea say they will not match that asking price.

Instead, the west London club are prepared to offer two players to convince Forest to accept a lower figure for the player. The Blues are not the only team interested in Murillo, however, as Atletico Madrid reportedly made an approach in March.

Murillo only joined Forest from Brazilian side Corinthians in August 2023 and signed a five-year contract with the club. He made 36 appearances in all competitions in his debut season as Forest avoided relegation to the Championship. Corinthians are entitled to 10 percent of the fee Forest receive for Murillo. It has been reported that Chelsea will be continuing to target young players rather than those in their prime like Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku.

Chelsea have been spending big on new signings since Todd Boehly took over as co-owner in 2022 and may be forced to continue to splash the cash if they are to sign Murillo in the summer transfer window.