Nottingham Forest defender.
Murillo has emerged as a target for Enzo Maresca, even though Chelsea’s squad already contains six centre-backs, and Forest could face a fight to keep the 21-year-old.
The Brazilian, who moved to the City Ground from Corinthians last summer, is earning admiring glances after enjoying an impressive debut season in England. Chelsea have made initial inquiries about Murillo, who could cost £70m, and have spoken about offering Chalobah to Forest.
Chalobah, who is capable of playing at centre-back and right-back, is up for sale. Selling the defender would be helpful for Chelsea in the context of the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations because money received for academy products registers as pure profit in the accounts. The accounting deadline is on Sunday.
However it remains to be seen whether Chalobah would be open to joining Forest. Although there is plenty of competition for places in Chelsea’s defence, the 24-year-old wants to join a club on his terms.
Chalobah’s departure became likelier after Chelsea signed Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, given that Maresca also has Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile at his disposal. But Chalobah, who is being tracked by Manchester United, would prefer to join a club competing in Europe. Forest battled against relegation last season.