Barcelona join race to sign Chelsea and Real Madrid £51m-rated defensive target: Reports

Barcelona has joined Chelsea in the race to sign Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, according to a report by SPORT (via Barca Universal). The Brazilian is also on the radar of some other top European giants, including Real Madrid and Juventus.

Mruilo has been a regular in the 2024-25 season, registering 11 appearances for Nottingham Forest across all competitions.

Barcelona's interest in signing him could be tied to their dilemma at center-back as Inigo Martinez is the only experienced defender who is fit. Pau Cubarsi and Sergi Dominguez are both fit but quite inexperienced.

As such, the absences of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen could affect Hansi Flick's side in the second half of the season. It is believed that Murillo is viewed as a potential long-term investment for the LaLiga giants, who are currently trying to rebuild their squad.

Murillo is an energetic defender and his ball-winning ability is impressive as well. His ability to distribute the ball is something that might have attracted Blaugrana's hierarchy as he fits the club's style of play.

Murillo is currently contracted at Nottingham Forest until June 2028. As such, Blaugrana might have to splash some cash if they intend to sign him.

Barcelona are monitoring Samu Omorodion as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski - Reports

FC Porto v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 - Source: Getty

The Blaugrana hierarchy are currently monitoring FC Porto's Samu Omorodion, who is seen as Robert Lewandowski's long-term replacement, according to a report by El Nacional (via Transfer News Live).

As one of the potential replacements for Lewandowski, Samu is an energetic striker and his finishing has been excellent this season. This has seen him score 12 goals in 13 games for FC Porto.

The 20-year-old striker if signed could feature for Blaugrana for several years, fulfilling the club's long-term objectives. El Nacional also reported that Barcelona's hierarchy are convinced that the Spaniard could be a good replacement for Lewandowski (36), whose contract expires in June 2025.

The Spaniard is currently valued at €35 million by Transfermarkt and is contracted to Porto till June 2029. Samu's potential signing could cost Barcelona around €40 million, as per El Nacional.