Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge and the Blues are now said to have identified a replacement
Lamine Camara during a Monaco game
Chelsea are reportedly interested in Lamine Camara as an Enzo Fernandez replacement (Image: Getty Images)
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Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara this summer. It is said that the Blues have identified him as a replacement for Enzo Fernandez.
Manchester City are reportedly looking to wrap up a £120million deal for Fernandez before the summer transfer window closes on Tuesday. However football.londonwas told late on Thursday night that - at that time - there had been no direct club-to-club contact regarding the Argentine.
Reports circulating online claim that Fernandez's move to the Etihad Stadium is close. However, it is understood that this is not the case.
Insiders say any offer for the Argentina international will be considered only in the context of Xabi Alonso's squad. Nevertheless, Chelsea are being linked with a replacement and Camara is of interest, journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims.
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It is said that the Blues are looking to sign the Senegal international for around €60m (around £51m) within the next 48 hours.
Camara enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 season, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 31 appearances while establishing himself as an important part of Monaco’s midfield.
And time is running out to complete signings with the summer transfer window closing on Tuesday at 11pm. City missed Chelsea’s August 14 deadline to match a £120m asking price for Fernandez, but they could submit a late bid.
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez has attracted interest from Manchester City this summer(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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The 25-year-old received a mixed reception at best during a pre-season appearance for Alonso's side on August 15. Several boos were heard after he came on as a substitute during the Blues' 3-1 win over Real Sociedad.
It follows him scoring the equaliser in this summer's World Cup semi-final win over England. The 25-year-old celebrated by cupping his ears in front of supporters.
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The Argentina international was absent from Thursday night's win over Luton Town. Blues boss Alonso claimed that Fernandez's snub was purely to give other players minutes and he remains a "good professional".
Speaking after the game, Alonso said: "It was a decision from myself and from the club. We had other players that needed minutes and it was that way.
"It's a decision that I took. He's a good professional. He's training well. I have nothing to say about him. It was just a decision that we had to take, thinking about the game that we're playing tonight and we'll see for ( Brighton on) Sunday."
One Argentine set to arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer is goalkeeper Emi Martinez. The shot-stopper will join from Aston Villa for £7.5m.