Chelsea have managed to strengthen their central defence this summer by bringing in Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga.
Tosin Adarabioyo is a natural centre-back, while Renato Veiga is capable of playing as one when he is not in midfield or at left-back. He will be able to offer Enzo Maresca plenty of versatility this upcoming season.
Despite the above, Chelsea still look interested in signing another centre-half, and one of their reported targets could end up costing a fortune.
It would make little sense to splash out on him when the Blues need a new striker. They have recently been linked with a forward from Ligue 1, with it being claimed that Chelsea are keen on Elye Wahi, but they need to go bigger than that.
However, it could be difficult to do that if they go and blow all of their money on another centre-back.
Chelsea are trying to sign Nottingham Forest’s Murillo
Chelsea have made contact about signing Murillo from Nottingham Forest this summer. Following the arrivals of Adarabioyo and Veiga, the Blues have more than enough options in central defence.
Nevertheless, they still look keen on Murillo. But given that new Chelsea manager Maresca has the likes of Adarabioyo, Veiga, Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile, just to name some of the current centre-backs at Stamford Bridge, signing the 22-year-old does not seem necessary.
There is also the fact that Murillo could cost a ridiculous amount of money in this transfer window. According to The Guardian, Forest value their defender at £70m.
It is hard to imagine Chelsea paying that kind of fee for him, but if they are considering it, they should stop immediately and think about putting that money towards signing a top striker.
Chelsea should focus on Ivan Toney instead of Murillo
A report from GiveMeSport last month claimed that Brentford value Ivan Toney at £60m, £10m less than what Murillo could cost this summer.
Again, it is unlikely that Chelsea are thinking about spending £70m on Murillo, but if that actually is the case, then the club would be better off using that to bring in Toney.
Finishing last season with Nicolas Jackson as the only recognised centre-forward in their squad, Toney could be the perfect addition.
The England international has proven that he can score goals at this level, netting 20 goals in 33 Premier League appearances during the 2022/23 season.
The only problem is his age. At 28, following Chelsea’s shift in transfer policy, it is a deal that the club’s owners are unlikely to sanction.
