Chelsea made their return to Premier League football in fine fashion on Saturday afternoon, comfortably dispatching Burnley 2-0.
That victory, followed by the rest of Saturday’s results, has left the Blues as the closest competitor to Arsenal, sitting six points off them and facing them on Sunday.
However, while Enzo Maresca has a squad full of incredible players, some might argue that they are just a bit short in certain areas compared to the Gunners.
Fortunately, that looks like something Chelsea are looking to address, as reports have linked them with one of Arsenal’s transfer targets, someone who could help make them serious title contenders.
Chelsea enter race for Arsenal target
Even with the transfer window not opening for over a month, Chelsea have already been linked with a plethora of unreal, difference-making players.
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For example, while he’s inexperienced, Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız would be an excellent signing for the Blues, having already scored three goals and registered four assists in 15 games this season.
Likewise, Antoine Semenyo, who is one of the most sought-after players in the country at the moment, would be an incredible addition to Maresca’s side.
However, if a player is going to come in and help turn the Blues into serious title contenders this season, they are likely going to be a defender, like Murillo.
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of several sides interested in the Brazilian international.
Alongside the West Londoners, Arsenal and Barcelona have also been credited with interest in the 23-year-old centre-back, who Nottingham Forest value at up to €90m, which is about £79m.
Therefore, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Murillo’s ability and potential, Chelsea should fight for him, especially as he could help make them serious title contenders.
Why Murillo could help Chelsea win the Premier League
As things stand, Chelsea are currently second in the Premier League, six points behind Arsenal, having scored just a single goal fewer than them.
However, while their attack is certainly comparable, the Blues have conceded 11 goals to the Gunners’ six, and you are conceding almost twice as many goals as your rivals, you aren’t going to finish above them in the table.
Now, one of the key reasons for the West Londoners’ middling defensive record – in the context of a title challenge – is that their best centre-back, Levi Colwill, has been out for the whole season so far, and the likes of
Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah have not been anywhere near the same level in his absence.
Therefore, for Maresca’s side to become true contenders for the league, they need more and higher-quality defensive reinforcements, which is where Murillo comes in.
Despite having practically no stability at Forest this season, the Brazilian titan has still put up some seriously impressive underlying numbers.
According to FBref, he ranks in the top 3% of centre-backs in the league for blocks, the top 5% for interceptions and successful take-ons, the top 7% for ball recoveries, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for through balls and more, all per 90.
% of Dribblers Tackled
100.0%
Top 2%
Blocks
1.83
Top 3%
Shots from Free Kicks
0.12
Top 5%
Interceptions
2.07
Top 5%
Successful Take-Ons
0.49
Top 5%
SCA (Defensive Action)
0.12
Top 7%
Passes Blocked
0.85
Top 7%
Ball Recoveries
4.87
Top 7%
Shot-Creating Actions
1.46
Top 9%
Tkl+Int
3.65
Top 9%
Goals/Shot
0.25
Top 11%
Goals – xG
+0.09
Top 11%
Non-Penalty Goals – npxG
+0.09
Top 11%
Passes Attempted (Long)
9.99
Top 11%
Through Balls
0.24
Top 11%
SCA (Live-ball Pass)
1.10
Top 11%
SCA (Dead-ball Pass)
0.12
Top 11%
Progressive Passes
4.87
Top 13%
SCA (Shot)
0.12
Top 13%
Tackles (Att 3rd)
0.24
Top 13%
Goals
0.12
Top 15%
Add to that the fact that he played a massive role in the Tricky Trees having one of the best defensive records in the country last season, and it’s easy to see why one analyst made the bold claim that he’s “one of the best defenders in the Premier League.”
On top of all of that, the “monstrous” international, as dubbed by journalist Ryan Taylor, is both young at just 23 and experienced, having made 87 appearances for Forest, 27 for Corinthians and one for Brazil.
Now, with all that said, there is still a chance the Sao Paulo-born star wouldn’t be a starter when everyone in Maresca’s side is fit, but he would be an exceptional cover, and all title-winning sides need that.
Ultimately, it wouldn’t be cheap, but Chelsea should do what they can to sign Murillo, as he could be one of the final pieces to Maresca’s puzzle.
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