Arsenal to now rival Barcelona in race to sign ‘tremendous’ Premier League defender

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Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, who has also attracted interest from the likes of FC Barcelona.

The 21-year-old Brazilian has impressed in his first year in the Premier League after making the move to the City Ground last summer from Corinthians, with Murillo becoming a key player at Forest.

Former Forest manager Mark Warburton recently lauded Murillo as ‘tremendous’, yet with the club in hot water with the Premier League due to over spending, a key player will have to leave if the Garibaldi are to balance out the books.

Arsenal join Barcelona in race to sign Nottingham Forest’s Murillo

And according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Murillo, with Barcelona, PSG and Liverpool also interested in the defender, as well as Chelsea and Manchester United.

With Arsenal believed to be looking for a centre-back this summer, Murillo could be the ideal addition given his Premier League experience and age, with Forest’s situation also meaning the defender won’t cost too much.

Moreover, with Arsenal having a strong Brazilian contingent, Murillo himself could be tempted to link up with the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli in north London.

Indeed, the prospect of leaving Forest for Arsenal could be a tempting one, especially with the north London side once again on the rise this season under Mikel Arteta.

Murillo could be a dream summer signing for the Gunners

Adding to the central defence is a smart move from Arteta and his team this summer given that options beyond Gabriel and William Saliba are somewhat weak with Ben White and Jurrien Timber now recognised as fullbacks.

And in that case, Murillo could be a brilliant signing for Arsenal, especially if the north London side can negotiate a good deal with Forest, who have to sell this summer if they’re to avoid further punishment from the Premier League.

Young, Premier League proven and exciting, there’s a lot to like about Murillo’s game, and Arsenal could be the ideal next club for the defender heading into this summer.