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Arsenal plot swoop to sign Nottingham Forest’s Murillo

By Ritayan Chatterjee on February 3, 2025

Arsenal are reportedly planning to make a move to sign Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, as per Caught Offside.

Following an emphatic 5-1 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League, the Gunners maintain their second position in the league. They have accumulated 50 points from 24 games, sitting six points behind the league leaders Liverpool – who have a game in hand.

Therefore, Mikel Arteta’s side will have to continue performing at their best to push the Merseyside club all the way for the title. Having narrowly missed out on winning the league title in back-to-back seasons, enduring the same once again this campaign would be a huge disappointment for the North Londoners.

Following Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka’s injury, Arteta has hinted that they are exploring options to strengthen the attack before the deadline. But, it seems they may eventually opt not to do that before today’s deadline.

So, perhaps, Arsenal have started planning the summer business. Caught Offside claim that the Emirates club want to strengthen the defensive department and are interested in Murillo.

Murillo to Arsenal

However, the player still has a contract until 2029 with the Reds and they want around £80m for their star man. Moreover, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also interested in him, therefore, purchasing him won’t be easy for the Gunners.

The Brazilian has enjoyed a stellar campaign thus far this season. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have been surprisingly mounting a top-four charge this term and the defender has been playing a pivotal role in it. They are currently just three points behind Arsenal.

Murillo is quick, good in the air, comfortable playing out from the back, has the ability to take strikes from the distance, is efficient in defensive contributions and also reads the game well.

The Brazilian is still just 23 and is yet to reach his prime. He is already an excellent player and would be a great coup for Arsenal if they secure his service.

However, Arsenal already have enough resources in their centre-back position and don’t need to spend £80m to sign yet another top-level centre-back. Instead, they desperately need a prolific goal-scorer to take the next step in their rebuild under Arteta’s guidance.