Chelsea 'offer two players' in Prem swap deal as Todd Boehly eyes fourth summer transfer

Chelsea have reportedly contacted Nottingham Forest in an attempt to sign their star centre-back Murillo and will offer the east Midlands club two players on top of a transfer fee to get a deal over the line. Murillo joined Forest from Corinthians last summer and enjoyed a fine maiden campaign in England as Forest staved off relegation to the Championship.

Chelsea have already been busy in the transfer market this summer, with owner Todd Boehly once again splashing the cash to bring in new faces.

The American acted swiftly to snap up Tosin Adarabioyo after his Fulham contract expired, before agreeing a £51million deal with Palmeiras to land winger Estevao Willian. And the club are also expected to confirm the signing of Barcelona striker Marc Guiu soon.

But Boehly clearly believes he is in need of further reinforcements, despite his team enjoying an upturn in fortunes during the second half of last season.

According to Brazilian outlet UOL, Forest are asking for just shy of £51m to sanction a deal for Murillo.

The Blues have told their Premier League counterparts they have no intention of meeting the demands, but are willing to present Forest with two of their own stars as well as a cash sum.

Forest paid Corinthians around £15m for Murillo last summer as they handed the defender a five-year contract, with the Brazilian club also negotiating a 10 per cent sell on clause.

And after arriving in England, the Brazilian said: “For me, it is my dream. I have always dreamed about playing in Europe, but playing in the Premier League was my big dream. Today, I am playing in the Premier League. Nottingham Forest are the best group and the best team with a big history.”

He went on to start 32 Premier League matches as his team avoided relegation by six points, despite being hit with a four-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules.

In March, Murillo was targeted by Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish giants meeting with the defender’s representatives. Forest blocked a deal at the time but may not be able to prevent the player’s head being turned by the allure of Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League last season after losing just one of their final 15 matches. And they will be aiming to kick on this season after replacing former boss Mauricio Pochettino with Enzo Maresca.

The west London giants begin their Premier League season when they host Manchester City on Sunday, August 18 and will welcome Forest to Stamford Bridge on the first Saturday of October.