According to reports, {statorium_team tid=9 sid=252 text="Arsenal"} are considering making a move for {statorium_player pid=52581 sid=252 text="Murillo"}, {statorium_team tid=183 sid=252 text="Nottingham Forest's"} center back, as they would rather have someone of his quality than break the bank on a world-class defender.
As per the numbers, the Gunners' defence is the strongest in the 23/24 Premier League season. Mikel Arteta's men have only conceded 24 goals in 28 games, which is two less than {statorium_team tid=3 sid=252 text="Liverpool"} and four less than {statorium_team tid=4 sid=252 text="Manchester City"}.
Even so, they're constantly trying to get better. After several seasons abroad on loan, they brought {statorium_player pid=1867 sid=252 text="William Saliba"} back into the starting lineup at the beginning of the previous campaign. In the summer, they signed Jurrien Timber, who can play in several positions in the back.
However, more defensive moves are likely because Arsenal are reportedly "tempted" to make a move for Forest's Murillo, according to reports making the rounds
Murillo – a bargain for Arsenal?
The defender who is valued at £50m, only joined Forest in the summer but has already cemented himself as a starter. Though that figure can be significantly lower if there is a need to raise cash in the next transfer window.
In fact, Murillo is one of their most marketable assets, so if they were to let someone go due to relegation or the necessity to make financial adjustments after their recent point deduction, he would be the one to go.
Arsenal are thinking about signing him because of the value for their money. According to the article, the Gunners intend to acquire a player with Murillo's value instead of "spending out on a world-class defender."
If they can spend £50 million or even less for a 21-year-old who is already making some really mature plays in the Premier League, it might work out to be a good deal if he keeps improving and eventually becomes a world-class player.
With their current problems, Arsenal are considering other options than just the Forest defender. In fact, according to a report, they are "monitoring" {statorium_player pid=343 sid=252 text="Morgan Gibbs-White's"} situation "with interest."
Depending on how bad things get, Forest may be forced to sell one of their players, or both if needs be. Given that Arteta allegedly "wants to reshape his ranks" and that Gibbs-White might replace Emile Smith Rowe, the Gunners might be able to take advantage of this.
There have been rumours that the attacking midfielder may soon depart the club, having not played much this season. If the Gunners decide he's surplus to needs, they may sell him for a good price.