Arsenal and Chelsea in six-club transfer battle for Murillo as Nottingham Forest may be forced to sell

ARSENAL and Chelsea are reportedly locked in a six-way tussle for Nottingham Forest star Murillo.

The Brazilian defender has been one of Forest’s better players this season, clocking up 27 appearances following a £12million move from Corinthians last summer.

Murillo, 21, was on the radar of Man City, West Ham and Napoli before sealing his switch to the City Ground.

But the centre-back could soon be on the move due to Forest’s financial issues.

The relegation battlers find themselves in the drop zone after being docked four points for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

And regardless of whether they stay up, Forest will likely have to sell several stars to balance the books.

Given his age, talent and potential, Murillo is one of the top candidates to leave.

Indeed, the claims Arsenal and Chelsea are already circling after being left impressed by his performances.

Liverpool and Newcastle are monitoring the situation too, with club chiefs having their interest piqued by Murillo’s seamless adaptation to life in England.

However, there is interest in the youngster from abroad too.

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Paris Saint-Germain snapped up fellow Brazilian kids Lucas Beraldo and Gabriel Moscardo in January for a combined £34m.

And with the club continuing to move in a new direction following the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar, they could bid for Murillo this summer too.

There is also interest from Barcelona, who already have a new young defensive star in Pau Cubarsi.

Murillo could be a long-term partner for the 17-year-old, who has been called up by Spain.

But the Forest man’s ability to play as a holding midfielder could also see him earmarked as a replacement for the ageing Oriol Romeu.