Chelsea are closing in on a deal for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, with the 22-year-old reportedly expected to travel to London as early as Sunday to complete his move.
The Blues have accelerated their pursuit of the Senegal international during the final days of the transfer window after initially opening negotiations with Monaco.
The Sun now reports that Camara could fly from Nice to London on Sunday, barring a late change, as Chelsea move towards completing the transfer.
However, a final agreement has not yet been reported. The fee and Camara’s contract details are still being ironed out between the relevant parties.
🚨EXCLUSIVE
Chelsea may sign Monaco star Lamine Camara tomorrow pending last-minute changes.#CFC see Camara as replacement for Man City-bound Enzo Fernandez in midfield.
Sources tell me🇸🇳star expected to fly from Nice to London on Sunday to get deal over the line #MCFC
More👇
— Konstantinos (Kostas) Lianos (@LianosKostas) August 29, 2026
Chelsea accelerate Lamine Camara move
The latest development represents significant progression from Chelsea’s position only 24 hours ago.
ReadChelsea reported on Friday that Chelsea had opened £55million Lamine Camara talks with Monaco, with the midfielder emerging as one of the club’s leading late-window targets.
Fabrizio Romano subsequently confirmed that Chelsea held a direct meeting with Monaco on Thursday before making contact with Camara’s representatives.
Romano reported that the midfielder would be open to joining Chelsea, although Monaco were still hoping to retain him at that stage.
The prospect of Camara now travelling to England suggests Chelsea’s pursuit has advanced considerably.
Enzo Fernandez uncertainty drives Chelsea plans
Chelsea’s move for Camara continues against the backdrop of Manchester City’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandez.
ReadChelsea has covered how City are considering a late move for Fernandez, although Chelsea have yet to receive an offer that satisfies their demands.
The Sun describes Fernandez as expected to join City, but that should not yet be treated as a completed transfer. Chelsea and City still need to reach an agreement.
Camara would nevertheless give Xabi Alonso greater flexibility regardless of Fernandez’s eventual destination.
The Senegal international is a more dynamic box-to-box presence and could operate alongside Moises Caicedo or in a more advanced midfield role.
ReadChelsea has already analysed why Camara’s qualities could transform Alonso’s Chelsea midfield.
Chelsea move closer to Camara breakthrough
There is still an important distinction between being close to a transfer and having an agreement completed.
Chelsea are not yet at the “here we go” stage.
But the progression is increasingly clear.
Thursday brought a direct club-to-club meeting. Chelsea then contacted Camara’s camp and received encouragement from the player. Now he is reportedly preparing for a potential journey to London.
The next significant development will be either a club-to-club agreement with Monaco or confirmation of Camara travelling for his medical.
If either arrives, Chelsea will be on the brink of completing one of the biggest moves of the final days of the window.
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