EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal enter race with Tottenham for Murillo as Forest name price

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 11 Jun 2024 12:52 BST
2 min read

Murillo, Nottingham Forest, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal have joined Tottenham in the race for Murillo, with sporting director Edu pushing for the signature of the Nottingham Forest defender, FootballTransfers has learned.

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The Gunners' defence was statistically the best in the Premier League this season, conceding just 24 goals. While their priority is bolstering the No.9 position, they are also interested in the 21-year-old Murillo.

Last year, Arsenal brought in Paulo Xavier from Real Madrid as a scout. Xavier was part of the team that identified global stars like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Endrick, and it is thought that Murillo has been on Arsenal's radar for some time.

Sources close to Forest indicate that the club will ask for around £60-70 million for Murillo. While Tottenham have shown the most interest at this point, bringing in defenders Micky van de Ven last summer and Radu Dragusin in January, the club is still keen to strengthen their backline.

Head coach Ange Postecoglou has hinted at the need for another centre-back, especially following the departures of Eric Dier and Japhet Tanganga, and with Joe Rodon's future uncertain.

READ MORE: Latest Arsenal transfer news

Forest close in on goalkeeper

Forest are closing in on Corinthians goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, FootballTransfers can confirm. The Corinthians star is set to join fellow Brazilian players Danilo and former teammate Murillo at the City Ground. The 25-year-old has a release clause of just £3.4 million and is expected to sign a five-year deal with Forest. Personal terms have been verbally agreed between Forest and the player.

Meanwhile, Odysseas Vlachodimos, who joined the club last September, is expected to leave. The 29-year-old completed a £7.7 million move to Forest from Benfica on deadline day and signed a four-year deal. Although he was expected to be Forest's number one goalkeeper, a string of poor performances led to him being replaced by Matt Turner.