Chelsea are battling Liverpool over a deal to sign Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo TEAMtalk.
The 23-year-old came through the Corinthians academy at Campeonato Brasileiro before earning a move to Europe with Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023.
What made his arrival even more remarkable was his limited experience before the transfer. He had played just thirteen senior games in Brazil’s top division, yet he quickly cemented his place as a central figure in the side.
Since then, Murillo has made 100 appearances for Forest, scoring three goals and making countless crucial tackles, clearances and last-ditch interventions, most notably his dramatic goal-line play in the 97th minute to deny Harry Maguire as Forest won 1–0 in April 2025.
Although he has been in good form this season and has made 25 appearances in all competitions, Forest are at risk of relegation after a string of poor results, leading to speculation that he could leave the club, which several clubs are now keen on.
This is according to TEAMtalkwhich claims Murillo plans to leave Forest in the summer, with interest in his signature becoming ‘strong and serious’.
Conflict
The report adds that Chelsea and Liverpool are already ahead of other clubs, having carried out their own checks on the embattled centre-back over the past year, even considering making formal offers.
For Chelsea, TEAMtalk claims the London giants have a ‘solid’ interest in Murillo and are open to offers for a number of their current centre-backs, including Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah, to make room for a new centre-back the Brazilian is now eyeing.
On the other hand, despite trumping Chelsea to sign Jeremy Jacquet and the possible return of Giovanni Leoni, Liverpool have earmarked Murillo for a move to Anfield due to the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez, the report said.
As a boost for both clubs TEAMtalk adds that Forest are aware of the Brazilian international’s desire to leave the City Ground and are expected to demand a fee in excess of £50m to sanction his departure, amid interest from the Reds and Blues.
Murillo is now widely tipped to continue his career in the Premier League, with interest in his services growing not only at Liverpool and Chelsea, but also at Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. TEAMtalk adds.
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