Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Chelsea need to sign a midfielder. They probably needed another option in the middle of the park even before Enzo Fernandez edged closer towards a move to Manchester City.
Fernandez was absent from the clash against Luton on Thursday. Argentine reports say Fernandez asked to be left out of the Carabao Cup clash, which Chelsea won 2-0 due to an own goal and Danny Welbeck.
Chelsea v Luton Town - Carabao Cup Second Round
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Aside from Fernandez, Chelsea boast Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Reece James Jordan Henderson, Valentin Barco, and Dario Essugo. But Henderson is injured, and Essugo could end up going on loan.
If Chelsea sell Fernandez, they will need to buy a replacement. Plenty have been linked, including Martin Zubimendi, Alex Scott and Adam Wharton – but Monaco’s Lamine Camara has emerged as a priority.
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Lamine Camara has already been linked with Chelsea
This summer, 37-time Senegal star Camara has often been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. Man United too, while Crystal Palace had a bid rejected of £43m. Nice Matin say Monaco want a £51m fee.
Belgium v Senegal - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32
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But given this late stage in the window, Monaco may want a bigger fee – especially if Chelsea are the ones making a move, given the potential influx of cash. Ben Jacobs says Camara has been offered to Chelsea.
What Monaco’s sporting director said about Camara today
The Europa League draw took place, and Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro was in attendance. He spoke to The Times reporter Peter Rutzler about a potential move for Camara before the deadline.
Liverpool FC v AS Monaco - Pre-Season Friendly
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According to Rutzler, Scuro confirmed that Monaco are a “selling club”, opening the door to a move. But he indicated it would take a big fee: “Spoke to Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro after UEFA draw.
He did not close the door on Lamine Camara departing: ‘We are a selling club’. But said he wants him to stay and he can be ‘one of the best players in his position’. Understand long-standing Chelsea interest.”
Chelsea almost hired Filipe Luis; now he’s Camara’s manager
Luis was initially linked with a return to Stamford Bridge as manager while still in charge of Flamengo, but a move failed when Luis realised talks were for BlueCo’s other club Strasbourg. The links then reignited.
Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca hugging graphic
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Liam Rosenior’s exit towards the end of the season for Luis linked with the Chelsea hotseat again. But it did not materialise. Now, Luis is Camara’s boss at Monaco and is a big fan, judging by recent comments.
After a 3-2 pre-season win for Monaco over Liverpool, Luis said Camara is “one of the best midfielders in the world”. Whether Chelsea get a deal done remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt he is a top player.