Tottenham Hotspur have been looking to compound on their central defensive depth as Ange Postecoglou looks to add quality to the position going into the 2025 transfer intervals, and Nottingham Forest defender Murillo could be one of the players on the Lilywhites radar. The Brazilian has been impressive since his move to the English top tier, and this season he has built on his reputation as an excellent presence at the heart of defence.

The 22-year-old has been subject to links with a move away from his current employers, with multiple Premier League heavyweights including Arsenal and Spurs looking to secure his signatures. However, the Lilywhites London neighbours Chelsea have fortified interest in landing the defender, per Football Insider. 

That being said, it will be difficult to force Nottingham Forest’s hand into a possible sale, as they will be holding out for a ‘huge fee’ for the defender who has established himself as one of the brightest central-defensive prospects in the Premier League. The fee quoted in the summer window walked a tone of £70m.

Will Spurs break the bank for Murillo?

Murillo is a modern progressive presence in the centre of the defence who thrives with the ball at his feet and possesses the ability to read the game well.

For Tottenham, while Murillo is a great prospect to have in the squad, it is to be seen whether Daniel Levy would sanction a transfer as hefty as this in the winter window. Moreover, Chelsea would be willing to offer high wages given how the West Londoners run financially. 

-> Tight wage structure hindered Tottenham from signing England international who Postecoglou wanted

Do you think Spurs should go shoulder-to-shoulder with Chelsea to sign Murillo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.