Murillo Decides to Stay at Nottingham Forest Amid Arsenal and Chelsea Interest, Eyes Champions League Dream

The 22-year-old defender Murillo, after an impressive debut season in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, has attracted interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea.

Recent developments, however, have shed light on his future plans.

Murillo has been a hot topic in transfer rumors this summer, with Forest valuing the Brazilian at £60 million.

This hefty price tag comes after both Arsenal and Chelsea have already made defensive acquisitions. Chelsea’s new era under Enzo Maresca began with the signing of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, followed by Renato Veiga from FC Basel and American full-back Caleb Wiley. Meanwhile, Arsenal is close to completing a deal for Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

Joining Forest from Corinthians for £10 million, Murillo played a crucial role in helping the team avoid relegation despite their points deduction for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSRs).

His defensive prowess and memorable goal-line clearances have made him a favorite among Forest fans.

Despite the interest from major clubs, Murillo has expressed his commitment to staying at Forest for the immediate future to continue his development. In an interview with The Telegraph, he shared his thoughts:

“I need regular game-time and really feel that with Forest I’m in the best place for my career. Staying here for another season will enable me to mature as a player and eventually become better prepared if the chance ever comes to play at another level one day.”

Murillo also revealed his long-term aspiration to play in the Champions League:

“Of course, I want to eventually play in the Champions League. When I was growing up, I’d play video games and play with all those teams. Whenever I hear that classic music before the games, it moves me, and it would be a dream to play in that competition.”

For now, Murillo is focused on his growth at Forest:

“But I’ve been focusing on my work here 100 per cent and I just want to do my best. Forest is a massive club in its own right and I feel good here. It was a season where I learned a lot and at first, I wasn’t sure whether I would prove my value.”

He remains optimistic about his and the team’s future:

“I always believed in my potential but was questioning myself. With a lot of work, I managed to have a good season and, God willing, it will be even better this season. I still believe I can do better. As a team, we also believe we will fight for a better position and have higher ambitions.”

Murillo’s decision to stay at Nottingham Forest for another season reflects his desire for regular game time and development.

While his dream of playing in the Champions League remains, he is committed to making a significant impact at Forest before making any potential move to a major club.