Chelsea have resumed talks with Nottingham Forest over centre back Murillo, who remains a target for the Blues, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari.
The Stamford Bridge club has been busy this summer, bringing in six new players as they aim to bolster their team in an attempt to return to the Champions League next season.
The Blues are still said to be looking for a winger, striker, and goalkeeper, but any fresh signings are unlikely until after pre-season, as the club departs for its tour of America on Monday.
Chelsea hold fresh Murillo talks
Chelsea were known to be seeking for a centre back and had already signed Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham, although Renato Veiga fits the profile of the left-footed defender they were looking for.
The addition of another centre defender appears to be on the cards, though any signing would be contingent on departures, with Trevoh Chalobah being the most probable prospect to leave.
However, Longari has stated that Chelsea has resumed talks with Forest about Brazilian defender Murillo, who is thought to be a target ahead of the new season.
‼️ Nuovi recenti contatti tra Chelsea #CFC e Nottingham Forest #NFFC per il difensore #Murillo. Il brasiliano resta un forte obiettivo dei Blues per questa campagna acquisti.
— Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) July 18, 2024
The 22-year-old joined Forest from Brazilian club Corinthians last summer and shone in his debut season, establishing himself as one of the league’s top young defenders as Forest stayed up for the second straight season.
It was rumored earlier this summer that Chelsea was interested in Murillo, but they were unwilling to pay the asking price, which is said to be over £70 million.
While Murillo is certainly talented, Chelsea simply does not have room for another defender in their team, and improving other areas is a far higher priority.
Young defender Alfie Gilchrist is due to move on loan, but little progress has been made on Chalobah’s departure, with the 25-year-old apparently seeking a Champions League team if he does leave.