Joe Cole. (Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Chelsea’s resurgence under Liam Rosenior has been nothing short of impressive.
Eleven matches into his tenure, the Blues have won eight, drawn one and lost just twice across all competitions — with both defeats coming against Arsenal in the EFL Cup semi-finals.
It’s been a statement start from the former Hull City boss, particularly given the doubts that surrounded his appointment. Performances have sharpened, confidence has returned and Stamford Bridge feels re-energised.
Yet even amid this strong run, recruitment plans are already taking shape behind the scenes. Chelsea are preparing to strengthen again in the summer — and a highly-rated Premier League defender is firmly on their radar.
Chelsea Learn Murillo Price
Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo has emerged as a serious target for Chelsea, according to Caught Offside.
The 23-year-old Brazilian has developed into one of the Premier League’s standout young defenders and is widely considered ready for the next stage of his career. Since arriving in England, his composure, physicality and ability on the ball have marked him out as a modern centre-back with elite potential.
However, prising him away from the City Ground will not be straightforward. Murillo signed a long-term contract running until 2029, and Forest have no intention of letting him go cheaply.
With no release clause in place, the Midlands club are understood to value him at between £60 million and £70 million — a figure that reflects both his age and his rapid development.
Forest are under little pressure to sell and internally view Murillo as central to their long-term ambitions.
The defender has also attracted glowing praise from Chelsea legend Joe Cole, who last season described him as “brilliantly Brazilian” and compared him to Thiago Silva.
“[Murillo is] brilliantly Brazilian. There’s been a lineage of Brazilian centre-halves like Thiago Silva,” Cole said on TNT Sport. “What a find, what a player he’s been. From talking to Forest fans, they absolutely love him.”
About the Author
