Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images
As Enzo Fernandez continues to be linked with a last-minute move to Man City, Chelsea are continuing their pursuit of Lamine Camara as a replacement, and Filipe Luis has had his say.
Fernandez was missing on Sunday once again as Chelsea edged past Brighton to win 4-3 at Stamford Bridge and maintain Xabi Alonso’s perfect start as Blues boss. Three games, three wins, nine goals scored.
Malo Gusto played in midfield on Sunday alongside Romeo Lavia. Reece James was rested, Moises Caicedo was only just back in the side, and Valentin Barco has only started once for Chelsea since joining.
While Chelsea have midfield numbers, the Blues lack a player who can instantly replace Fernandez. The signing of Camara would change that; a player Filipe Luis previously said is “one of the best in the world”.
Filipe Luis discusses Lamine Camara’s future as Monaco win
On Sunday night, Monaco picked up a brilliant three points as they beat Marseille to win 2-0. Camara was crucial to the win, lasting the entire 90 minutes as Monaco scored a goal in each half to secure victory.
Coventry City v AS Monaco - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Before the game, Luis was asked about the rumours circling Camara. Of course, it would see Luis’ old side sign arguably his best player, and the former Stamford Bridge left-back is desperate to keep Camara.
“I hope to keep him. You see the player he is – unbelievable. Until the end of the transfer window, anything can happen. Everyone hopes that he stays. He’s elite,” Luis said ahead of his side’s 2-0 win.
Contrasting reports circulating as Chelsea pursue Camara deal
Chelsea are in talks with Monaco, and a deal is there to be done. But there have been contrasting reports on social media since the links came to light. Crystal Palace had a £43m bid rejected this summer.
Sacha Tavolieri claims a deal between Chelsea and Monaco is done, for less than £40m. Others suggest the two clubs remain in talks, but as of Sunday evening, nothing has materialised, and a deal is not done.
If Tavolieri is correct, it begs the question: why would Monaco reject Palace’s offer of £43m only to then accept a fee below £40m? One thing is for sure: Camara is a target for Chelsea with Fernandez leaving.
If Fernandez does go, then it is likely Chelsea will press ahead and sign Camara. But if the Blues end up keeping Fernandez, then Chelsea surely have enough depth without Camara in the middle of the park.