Enzo Fernandez could leave Chelsea but reports suggest they're moving for a replacement.
Enzo Fernandez could leave Chelsea and they're moving for a replacement. (Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a move for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and are also plotting a "big-name" midfield addition if Enzo Fernandez completes a transfer to Manchester City. The Argentine wants to link up with Enzo Maresca again and the two clubs are working on a deal worth over £100million.
He has reached an agreement on personal terms but club-to-club negotiations are yet to reach a conclusion. Now, Xabi Alonso and the Chelsea recruitment staff have identified another midfielder who could help manage the exit of Fernandez, with Camara of significant interest.
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Now, Foot Mercato has reported that progress is being made towards signing an as-yet-unnamed player, described as 'a very big name' destined for Stamford Bridge.
The Sun claim that Camara could be unveiled as a Chelsea player on Sunday, with the 22-year-old flying to London on Saturday to get a deal over the line.
Chelsea got their campaign off to a flying start on Monday with victory over west London rivals Fulham. They welcome Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday (2pm) in Alonso's first home fixture at the helm.
Time is ticking away to bolster the squad with the transfer window closing on September 1. Chelsea could find themselves joining their Premier League counterparts in a last-minute scramble to secure their priority targets ahead of the first half of the season.
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Chelsea are still awaiting a formal offer from City for Fernandez, while City are also edging closer to securing Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo.
The midfielder was omitted from the squad that defeated Luton Town in the Carabao Cup during the week, casting doubt over his involvement for the Seagulls' visit to the capital this weekend.
Lamine Camara of AS Monaco during the pre-season friendly match between Coventry City and AS Mona
Lamine Camara is expected to join Chelsea from Monaco. (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi was reportedly under consideration by Chelsea, who were knocked back in their pursuit of highly sought-after midfielder Alex Scott earlier in the window.
Yet Chelsea's activity doesn't end there, with Emi Martinez edging closer to a return to the capital. The Aston Villa goalkeeper will bring invaluable experience and much-needed quality between the posts for the Blues, following Robert Sanchez's heavily criticised display against Fulham.
The goalkeeping position has undergone significant upheaval in recent years, yet tangible progress in that area has remained elusive. A two-year deal for Martinez, bringing assured Premier League calibre, would represent a welcome boost for Alonso.
Chelsea look set for a hectic few days and could further bolster their spending this summer with a flurry of activity in the final stages of the window.