Chelsea Eye £48m Murillo Swoop: Bayern Munich Looms Large In Transfer Battle

Chelsea have added Nottingham Forest’s standout defender Chelsea Eye £48m Murillo Swoop: Bayern Munich Looms Large in Transfer Battle to their transfer shortlist, but the Blues face stiff competition from Bayern Munich in the race for the £48m-rated Brazilian. 10 The 23-year-old centre-back has caught the eye of Europe’s elite with his commanding performances, positioning him as a prime target for defensive reinforcements.

Murillo: From Corinthians to Premier League Star

Since arriving at the City Ground from Corinthians for £15m in 2023, Murillo has racked up 80 appearances, earning Forest’s Player of the Season award in his debut campaign. 10 His rock-solid partnership with Nikola Milenkovic has been pivotal under Nuno Espírito Santo, even as Forest grapple with a dismal start to the 2025-26 season. Despite the team’s struggles, Murillo’s stock soars—he’s hailed as one of England’s top young centre-backs, blending pace, aerial prowess, and ball-playing ability. 12

The Brazilian, capped once by his national team, inked a deal until 2029 without a release clause, signaling Forest’s intent to hold firm amid their relegation fight. 11 Yet, his dream of Champions League glory and major trophies could tempt a big-money exit. 10

Bayern’s Defensive Dilemma Fuels Interest

According to German outlet Bild, Bayern have “set their sights” on Murillo as they eye reinforcements, with boss Vincent Kompany desperate to bolster the backline. 10 The club is pushing to extend Dayot Upamecano’s contract, but fears of a French departure have put the Brazilian on their radar. 3 A €55m (£48m) bid would be required to test Forest’s resolve, and Bayern knows Chelsea—and even Real Madrid, who bid unsuccessfully in January—are lurking. 11

Chelsea’s Defensive Shuffle

After prioritizing attack in the summer—snagging Liam Delap, João Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Alejandro Garnacho—Chelsea’s sole defensive addition was Jorrel Hato from Ajax for £35.5m. 10 Murillo aligns with Enzo Maresca’s vision for a youthful, versatile backline, especially after turning down a Blues move last year to focus on development at Forest. 19 Reports suggest Chelsea have been monitoring him closely, viewing him as a long-term gem. 16

The Road Ahead: January Battle Looms?

With Forest unwilling to sell mid-crisis, any move likely waits until January or summer 2026. 10 Fans on X are abuzz, with one post highlighting the Corinthians sell-on clause (10% of future profit) adding intrigue to a potential deal. As Bayern and Chelsea vie for supremacy, Murillo’s next chapter could redefine his career and spark a transfer saga for the ages.