Talks held: Chelsea set sights on Premier League trio as transfer plans explained
Chelsea are reportedly holding internal discussions over centre-back targets, with Murillo a top target alongside Jarrad Branthwaite and Jan Paul van Hecke.
According to Simon Phillips, the Blues are getting to work on defensive signings for this summer, with that area being identified as a key priority.
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Murillo has long been linked with Chelsea and his name is said to have come up again, while another raid on Brighton could be on the cards as there’s interest in Van Hecke.
However, one issue might be that Van Hecke and Joao Pedro had something of a training ground bust-up when they were teammates at Brighton, so that could be an interesting detail to keep in mind.
Phillips adds that Everton’s Branthwaite is also an option being considered by Chelsea, while others could also come into the equation as no final decision has been made yet.
Chelsea eye three Premier League centre-backs
“Chelsea are weighing up their options for new centre backs this summer, with this area on the pitch going to be the priority,” Phillips said.
“Something is certainly happening with Murillo of Nottingham Forest right now. Having been told about our interest in him MANY times over the last couple of seasons, SPTC Sources have heard his name come up in internal conversations about recruitment once again just this week!”
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He added: “Forest could still get relegated this season, and that would make this one much easier to do. But even if they don’t, Chelsea are looking at Murillo as a serious target for this summer.
“And further to that, our top source has confirmed they are hearing that Chelsea are looking to sign two new centre backs this summer.
“Nothing is done or close for Murillo yet of course, but it could advance. As well as him, we’ve had confirmation that Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke IS a player that Chelsea like and are looking into for this summer. I believe it’s been reported elsewhere, but our sources have also now confirmed the interest.
“One sticking point could be that we’ve also heard that Van Hecke had a number of training ground bust ups with Joao Pedro when they were both at Brighton, so we are unsure whether those two have squashed that beef or not, or whether it would stop a Chelsea move for Van Hecke. These things happen all the time, and hopefully they would be adult enough to put it behind them, IF a move should progress.
“Again, I’m not saying these two will definitely be the two centre backs we sign, but there is a lot of noise on them both this week. Remember, Chelsea also looking at other centre backs such as Jarrad Branthwaite, and many more.”
More Chelsea defence updates
Another story to watch this summer is that Chelsea are one of the clubs eyeing Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon, though it’s a complicated saga.
Our understanding is that Chelsea and Arsenal want Ramon, but Real Madrid are in control over his future as they have a buy-back clause.
Chelsea are also exploring Marcos Senesi as a potential free transfer, though he has plenty of interest from Liverpool and clubs in La Liga.
Meanwhile, the Daily Express report that CFC want to keep Josh Acheampong despite also looking for new signings in central defence.
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