Chelsea have reopened talks with Nottingham Forest for defender Murillo, who ‘remains a strong target’ for them this summer.
That’s according to journalist Gianluigi Longari, who says the two clubs have held ‘recent contacts’ about a potential move for the Brazilian.
Chelsea have been working hard to reshape their squad this summer for new manager Enzo Maresca, with a particular focus on the defence.
Tosin Adarabioyo has already arrived on a free transfer from Fulham, and they have been linked with several other names too, with the Nottingham Forest man included among them.
He’s earned plenty of admirers in England after his performances for Nottingham Forest last season following a €12m move from Corinthians in Brazil.
Chelsea initially made overtures towards him before the summer transfer window had opened and there has been little talk of the matter since, but Longari now insists that Murillo remains a target and they’ve held talks with Nottingham Forest about him recently.
The big question is why given the current first team squad has now fewer than eight central defenders in it.
The obvious answer is that Chelsea are planning to move some of the current names on first to open up space and then welcome Murillo, with Malang Sarr already linked with a move away.
They’ll still need to pay Forest a big price to convince them into a sale, though, which some may question given other needs in the squad.
While that remains to be seen, another man who could be on his way out is new signing Marc Guiu, who has interest from Espanyol.
That’s according to esport3, relayed by Sport, who say the striker’s future remains unresolved despite recently arriving at Stamford Bridge.
The 18-year-old is not a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans for now and the recent departure of Martin Braithwaite from Espanyol has opened up an opportunity there.
Their manager Manolo González would “welcome the incorporation of Marc Guiu” if given the chance to get him and talks could take place soon, although Chelsea would not want to include any purchase option in the deal.
