Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly hoping to capitalise on Nottingham Forest’s financial situation by securing the signature of Murillo. The defender has taken to life in England like a duck to water, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by top clubs around Europe.
It was announced on Monday that Forest were being docked four points by the Premier League for breaching profit and sustainability rules, meaning that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have dropped to 18th in the table.
The City Ground outfit are therefore looking to raise funds from player sales to ensure they don’t fall foul of PSR rules again. As a result, a fire sale could be on the cards, regardless of whether the club stays up or are relegated.
Top clubs around Europe have been alerted to Forest’s situation as a result, and several sides are already hoping to raid Forest of their prized assets. According to the Daily Mail, Murillo is attracting widespread interest already after his impressive displays so far this season.
The Brazilian has earned plenty of praise since joining Forest from Corinthians in a deal worth £15million. Arsenal and Liverpool are among those that are interested in signing Murillo if he is made available, though Forest expect to make a significant profit on their previous investment into the defender.
Chelsea and Newcastle are also cited as being among the centre-back’s other suitors, with both clubs in the market for defensive reinforcements. Though Premier League clubs aren’t the only teams who are in the race for Murillo.
Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old, and an offer from either side is likely to spark a bidding war from the English contingent. It remains to be seen what fee Forest demand for their promising talent, and whether his exit, if facilitated, alone will help the club balance their books and avoid any other PSR issues further down the line.
If the sale is not enough to resolve the financial situation then Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi could also be offloaded, with interest already growing in the pair. The attacking stars both have suitors in England and are likely to fetch significant fees having proven that they are capable of finding the back of the net regularly in the Premier League.