On the occasion of the 13th Premier League matchday, Chelsea and Arsenal will face each other in a clash at the top. The London derby has already begun with a battle for a highly coveted defender in the league.
Arsenal, Premier League leaders, travel to Chelsea‘s ground on the next matchday. The opportunity for the Blues to come within three points of the Gunners in the title race. Whilst this London derby is one of the most anticipated matches of this year-end in England, the two giants are also locked in an internal transfer battle. Indeed, a championship defender is coveted by both clubs.
According to information from Fichajes, Arsenal and Chelsea would be interested in Murillo's services. The Nottingham Forest player has a high value in the transfer market and is coming off a very accomplished season with the Reds. The Spanish site indicates however that the English club would value their defender at £70-80m. If Forest's demands are met, the Brazilian could equal Josko Gvardiol and become the most expensive defender in Premier League history.
Murillo, the Blues' next big coup?
Chelsea's interest in Murillo is logical, given the numerous injuries in the defensive sector for over a year. The Blues need a reliable player to improve the centre-back partnership. In March 2025, the 23-year-old indeed earned his first cap with Brazil. Nevertheless, whilst Arsenal are mentioned in this case, there is little chance that an offensive will be made by the club managed by Mikel Arteta.
The defensive sector is already Arsenal's major strength with very high-performing players (Gabriel, William Saliba, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera). Moreover, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White can play on the flank or centrally. There is therefore no interest in recruiting a centre-back. Under contract until June 2029 with Nottingham Forest, Murillo could therefore be Chelsea's next XXL expenditure.
Cet article est une adaptation d’un article publié par notre partenaire Sportsmole.
