Barcelona set to pay €90m for Premier League star next summer on

Barcelona is set to target a left-sided central defender next summer to fill the void left by Inigo Martinez. Several potential candidates have been identified over recent months, including a player from the Premier League.

Reportedly, Barcelona has been monitoring Nottingham Forest’s Murillo since the season's start. According to Pete O’Rourke (via CaughtOffside), the club remains keen on the 23-year-old Brazilian international. However, they, along with Chelsea, have been quoted a fee of £70-80m (€80-90m).

“Maybe in the summer it remains to be seen if Murillo would maybe push for a move away in search of playing at the highest level. Playing Champions League football as well, but he isn’t going to come cheap. Let’s not get away with that either. I don’t think Forest would let a player like Murillo leave for anything less than £70-80 million as well and there’s no chance he leaves in the January window.

“I’m sure those clubs that are interested in the likes of Chelsea are aware of that. Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in the Brazilian, and they will continue to keep tabs on them and maybe re-evaluate in the summer.”

Image via Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Barcelona need to return to 1:1 before next summer

Murillo would be an excellent addition for Barcelona, given his experience in a major European league and his young age of 23. However, the price tag of €80-90m is quite steep, especially considering the need to secure a new striker following Robert Lewandowski’s expected departure.

Moreover, Barcelona will only be able to invest big sums in new players once they adhere to La Liga’s 1:1 rule. Returning to the Spotify Camp Nou should help in this aspect, but further efforts from club officials will be essential.