Nottingham Forest could face a major battle to keep hold of Murillo, with Chelsea reportedly joining the growing list of clubs interested in the highly rated Brazilian defender.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea have entered the race to sign the 24-year-old centre-back, with head coach Xabi Alonso understood to be keen on bringing him to Stamford Bridge. The Spanish coach reportedly sees Murillo as an ideal fit for his defensive system and is pushing for the club to explore a potential deal.
Chelsea’s interest comes as little surprise given Murillo’s development into one of the Premier League’s most impressive young defenders. His pace, strength, composure on the ball and ability to defend large spaces have made him a valuable part of Forest’s team since arriving in England.
Alonso is believed to be looking for a quick and aggressive centre-back who can operate confidently in a high defensive line while also stepping forward to help his team build attacks. Murillo’s performances for Forest have shown that he possesses many of those qualities.
The Brazilian has become particularly effective when defending in one-on-one situations and covering space behind the defensive line. His ability to carry the ball out from the back has also added another dimension to his game, making him an attractive option for clubs looking for modern, versatile defenders.
However, Chelsea are far from the only major club monitoring his situation.
Liverpool have reportedly renewed their interest in Murillo as they consider their long-term defensive plans. With Virgil van Dijk’s contract situation creating uncertainty over the future, the Reds could eventually look for a younger centre-back capable of becoming a key figure for years to come.
Manchester United have also been linked with the Forest defender. Football Insider reported on October 2 that United have joined the race as their recruitment team begins planning for the 2027 transfer window. Centre-back is understood to be an area the club could strengthen, putting Murillo firmly on the radar of another Premier League heavyweight.
Arsenal and Tottenham have previously monitored the Brazilian, while Bayern Munich have also been mentioned as a potential admirer. The growing list of interested clubs underlines just how highly Murillo is regarded across European football.
Forest, though, are in a strong position.
Murillo signed a new long-term contract with the club in May 2026, committing his future to the City Ground until 2030. That agreement gives Forest significant protection and means any interested club would likely have to make an enormous financial commitment to even begin negotiations.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis is understood to have placed a substantial valuation on the defender, while Forest’s hierarchy has no desire to sell him during the January transfer window.
The club is not under financial pressure to cash in, meaning there is little reason for Forest to consider an offer unless it is simply too good to refuse. Losing one of their most important defenders midway through the season would also create a significant sporting problem.
Murillo’s importance to Forest has continued to grow since he joined from Corinthians in August 2023. What initially looked like an exciting young signing has developed into one of the club’s most valuable assets.
His performances this season have further strengthened his reputation. Murillo produced a remarkable defensive display against Liverpool, recording 17 clearances in a single Premier League match — a record for the competition.
That performance highlighted the qualities that have made him so attractive to some of Europe’s biggest clubs. He combines physicality with speed and defensive intelligence, while his comfort in possession makes him particularly suited to teams that want their centre-backs to play an active role in possession.
For Chelsea, the potential move would represent a significant investment in their defensive future. Alonso’s reported desire to work with Murillo could make the London club a serious contender if Forest eventually decide to listen to offers.
For now, however, Forest remain in control.
Murillo’s long-term contract, his importance to the team and the club’s reluctance to sell mean Chelsea and the other interested clubs face a difficult task. Any January approach is likely to be met with a firm response.
The transfer race may therefore be only just beginning, but Murillo’s performances have ensured that Nottingham Forest will have plenty of attention surrounding their star defender.
If Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United or one of the other interested European giants want to prise him away from the City Ground, they are likely to discover that Forest will not make it easy.
