Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
What has become clear in the last couple of weeks is that both Chelsea and Man United are looking for a new midfielder and are shopping in the same market.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, for example, was offered to both Chelsea and Man United. Ultimately, a deal has been ruled out as quickly as it emerged, because Lewis-Skelly wants to remain at Arsenal and fight for his place.
Chelsea have plenty of options in the middle of the park, as do Man United. But both Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick know the importance of central midfielders, and the impact a good midfield can have.
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Now, both Chelsea and Man United are said to be trailing Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara. According to reporter Pete O’Rourke on X, Crystal Palace have just seen an offer of around £43m turned down.
“Understand Monaco has rejected a €50m offer from Crystal Palace for Lamine Camara. Manchester United and Chelsea are monitoring the player as they consider moves for the Senegal international.”
Chelsea have the ideal chance to trump Man United in talks
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Already a 37-time Senegal international, 22-year-old Camara has thrown himself onto the world stage with some brilliant performances both in France and alongside Nicolas Jackson at the World Cup.
Despite being mostly known for his ability to anchor a midfield, Camara has also had a hand in 16 goals during 71 Monaco appearances. Last season, he scored three and created four in just 24 Ligue 1 games.
Clearly, this is a proper player. With Lewis-Skelly staying at Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United are both in for Camara – but the Blues have a trump card, and it comes in the form of current player Romeo Lavia.
Earlier this summer, Monaco were linked with a move for Lavia. If Chelsea included Lavia in a deal for Camara, plus a bit of cash on top, then there is every chance that Monaco may agree to sell Camara.
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Two birds, one stone, with Lavia included in Camara deal
If Chelsea ended up signing Camara, then they would have to sell Lavia anyway. It would see Camara join a well-stocked midfield with Jordan Henderson and Valentin Barco also arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Moises Caicedo, Dario Essugo and Enzo Fernandez – if he stays – are also options. There are a total of five players for two positions before Camara joins, not considering some of Chelsea’s young gems.
Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli and Reggie Watson have arguably been Chelsea’s best two academy players during pre-season. If Camara joins, Chelsea would need to sell one or two, and Lavia would be top of that list.
Including Lavia in a deal to win the Camara race not only sees Chelsea fend off interest from Man United, but it also favours Monaco. They get a replacement, and it suits Chelsea’s need to get rid, too.