Chelsea Favored Over Real Madrid, PSG for £50M 'Priority' Target

Brazilian defender Murillo open to Premier League move, with Chelsea leading the race

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Chelsea are targeting Brazilian defender Murillo as a priority signing this summer, with the 24-year-old Corinthians player open to a move to the Premier League. While Tottenham, Manchester United, and Liverpool are also interested, Chelsea are making progress on a potential £50 million deal and Murillo is said to prefer staying in England over moves to Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.

Why it matters

Chelsea are looking to overhaul their defensive setup ahead of the upcoming transfer window, with no clear first-choice center-back pairing currently. Murillo, who has impressed in Brazil, could provide the solution they're seeking, but the club will have to fend off interest from other top clubs to secure his signature.

The details

Chelsea have a number of center-backs in their squad, including Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, and Mamadou Sarr, but none have nailed down the starting role. Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill are also working their way back from injuries. Murillo, a 24-year-old Brazilian defender currently playing for Corinthians, has emerged as Chelsea's 'priority' target, with the club willing to pay around £50 million to secure his services. However, Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the player.

  • In 2024, Murillo spoke about his openness to joining Manchester City or Liverpool.

The players

Liam Rosenior

Chelsea's manager who is looking to overhaul the club's defensive setup.

Murillo

A 24-year-old Brazilian defender currently playing for Corinthians, who is Chelsea's 'priority' target this summer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'd choose Man City, but it would be more difficult to be a regular starter given the players they have in their squad. I wouldn't discard Liverpool either; it would be a good opportunity for me to show my football in a big club.”

— Murillo (Benja Me Mucho podcast)

What’s next

Chelsea will need to negotiate a deal with Corinthians and fend off interest from other top clubs to secure Murillo's signature this summer.

The takeaway

Chelsea's pursuit of Murillo highlights their need to strengthen their defensive options, with the Brazilian defender seen as a potential solution to their center-back conundrum. However, the club will face stiff competition from other top European clubs for his signature.