It is no secret that Chelsea need to strengthen in the centre-back area. It has emerged as a major weakness for them this season, largely due to Levi Colwill's absence, after he suffered an ACL injury in pre-season training. Naturally, the Cobham graduate is not going to be back anytime soon but if the Blues are planning to compete for silverware, this defensive lineup might be nowhere near good enough.
Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are extremely injury-prone as well. Josh Acheampong is talented but still just 19 years of age. And the combination of Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah has simply not convinced this season.
So, all things considered, Chelsea should look to sign a centre-back in January. Perhaps that is not the plan at this point. But if things do not improve between now and the end of the year, they must definitely reconsider the squad's situation. The issues are clear to see. Now, it is up to the club to find solutions.
Amid all this, Murillo has been suggested as a potential target for Chelsea. As reported by Football Insider, Mick Brown said:
"Murillo of course will be on their radar, he has been for a while because he’s been fantastic for Nottingham Forest, and they’re not the only club looking at him.
“If Forest continue to struggle, they could look to take advantage of that situation to tempt him away.
“I think he’d certainly be an improvement on what they’ve got currently, the likes of [Trevoh] Chalobah and the rest of them who’ve been called upon.
“If it’s a deal they think can be done, then it wouldn’t surprise me to see them make a move, because I’m told he’s definitely somebody they’re looking at."
Chelsea tipped to move for brilliant Premier League centre-back in January
Murillo is someone Chelsea have been linked with in the past as well. But back then, it was believed that Nottingham Forest would look for a significant transfer fee to part ways with the Brazilian international.
Things might have changed since then. Nottingham Forest are going through a terrible run of form this season. They have not won any of their seven games since appointing Ange Postecoglou as manager and find themselves sitting at 17th in the Premier League.
In circumstances like this, it would not come as a surprise if Murillo starts pushing for an exit soon. He is 23 years of age, a full Brazil international and should be looking to take the next step in his career. With Nottingham Forest on a downward trajectory, his future might not lie there for much longer.