After this weekend's set of results, Chelsea find themselves second in the Premier League. And one can only wonder how much closer they could have been to Arsenal, if not for their injury problems and red cards, which have cost at least a few points this season. Still. the Blues cannot be disappointed but at the same time, they must recognise the need to keep getting better.
One of the areas in which they need to improve is their defence. Levi Colwill's injury has left them weakened at the back. But it is not the only issue that the Blues have right now.
The likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo are rotational options, not starting-level players, if you want to mount a serious Premier League challenge. Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are decent on their day but extremely injury-prone. Jorrel Hato is not ready for this level yet. And while Josh Acheampong has put in some excellent displays when given a chance, for some reason, it looks like Enzo Maresca does not trust him. One has to wonder if that is merely a tactical choice or not.
Chelsea could do with a reliable centre-back though. And it looks like a Premier League-proven Brazilian international has caught their eye.
Chelsea and Arsenal showing serious interest in £70m centre-back
As reported by CaughtOffside, Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona all showing interest in Murillo. The Blues have been tracking the Nottingham Forest centre-back closely since the summer, with Maresca identifying him as a key defensive target.
Well, someone like Murillo can be a solid addition to this Chelsea team. Of course, it is always safer to go with a Premier League-proven player than to bring in someone from a different league altogether.
It could take a significant transfer fee to sign Murillo though. Somewhere in the region of £70 million. Barcelona have had financial issues for years now and that might be a problem for them. On the other hand, with the options that Arsenal already have at centre-back, it might not be the smartest choice to join them. So, Chelsea might have an advantage in this race.