This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Chelsea officials had a “direct conversation” with Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro on Thursday about signing Lamine Camara, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on his YouTube channel on Friday night, Romano said that there is now a “feeling” that the Blues will make a move for the Senegalese international before the transfer window closes:
“Chelsea have made contact with Monaco yesterday; there was a direct conversation involving Chelsea management and Monaco director Thiago Scuro, so a direct conversation.”
“Monaco still hope to keep the player, but tonight, Monaco start feeling that Chelsea might arrive. Chelsea so far only ask for informations [on] the price, the conditions of the deal.”
“So this was the meeting yesterday, but Monaco have a feeling that Chelsea are coming. Monaco have a feeling that Chelsea will be there.”
Why are Chelsea pursuing the player?
If Enzo Fernandez does end up leaving Stamford Bridge for Manchester City, the club want to ensure that manager Xabi Alonso is not left short of options in the middle of the park.
Camara is an all-action midfielder who is comfortable both on and off the ball. He is perfectly suited to playing in a double pivot in a 3-4-3 system.
Buy a brand new Chelsea home shirt with title sponsor from Fanatics here
Will there be competition for Camara?
Both Liverpool and Crystal Palace have also been linked with the 22-year-old in recent weeks, but when addressing the former’s interest in the player, Romano said:
“It’s true that Liverpool were asking for conditions of the deal for Lamine Camara, but it was a few weeks ago, not now – it was in July when they were trying to explore this possibility. In the recent days, nothing really moved between Liverpool and Lamine Camara.”
From the sound of things, competition from Premier League rivals is unlikely to materialise, so the main issue will be the asking price. Monaco are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of €60m (£51m).