The genius Chelsea and Nottingham Forest summer swap deal that would hugely benefit both clubs

Chelsea aren’t slowing down. Despite having gone big in several consecutive transfer windows, and despite having already signed eight players this summer, the Blues continue to be ever-presents of the gossip columns, and are almost certainly set to be busy in the market right the way up to that looming deadline at the end of August.

In terms of their immediate plans, one name that has been thrown about fairly consistently in recent weeks is that of Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. The Brazilian impressed immensely over the course of his side’s successful survival bid last term, and has emerged as a target for several high profile clubs as a consequence. Indeed, Forest seemingly recognise the scale of the talent they have on their hands, and have reportedly slapped a price tag of around £70 million on the centre-back.

That exorbitant valuation has not been enough to dissuade Chelsea, however, and the understanding is that Enzo Maresca’s men are still very much keeping tabs on Murillo ahead of a prospective bid.

But if the Blues are serious about their interest, then perhaps there is a way that they can significantly reduce Forest’s asking price. According to The Sun, Chelsea could be willing to let as many as a dozen first team players leave Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks, and in amongst that surplus crowd are Trevoh Chalobah and Djordje Petrovic.

And you suspect that particular duo would prove to be a very tempting makeweight for Forest should Chelsea have a mind to offer them in part exchange for Murillo. For his part, Chalobah has been linked with the City Ground before, and already we have seen the prospect of a swap deal floated at various points.

But it is Petrovic who could perhaps push any agreement towards total completion. It is no grand secret that Forest are in the market for a goalkeeper this summer. The likes of Arsenal outcast Aaron Ramsdale and Crystal Palace deputy Sam Johnstone have both been mentioned of late, with the common consensus being that neither Matz Sels nor Matt Turner are up to the task of holding down the number one jersey next season. The latter was displaced between the sticks in February, while the former recorded the third-lowest save ratio of any goalkeeper in the Premier League last term. Only Brighton’s Jason Steele and fellow Forest stopper Odysseas Vlachodimos were worse off, with the Greek having since signed for Newcastle United.

In other words, there is plenty of room for a new first choice at the City Ground, and Petrovic showed plenty of promise during his stint in the first team at Stamford Bridge last season. The 24-year-old proved himself to be a very adept shot stopper, with a good command of his area and admirable concentration levels. You would imagine that he will only improve on those foundational qualities as time goes by too.

Perhaps then, the offer of Chalobah, plus Petrovic, plus a chunk of cash, could be enough to convince Forest into parting company with Murillo. At the very least, it is surely worth putting a proper proposal together.