Photo by Joosep Martinson - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Photo by Joosep Martinson - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
First it was on, then it was off. Now it’s back on again. Chelsea could end deadline day with Monaco ace Lamine Camara signed, but they will have to do a whole lot more than their initial bid.
With Enzo Fernandez nearing a move to Man City and being left out of squads to face Luton and then Brighton, it appeared Chelsea were pushing for Camara. There was a sense of inevitability about it.
Not just because Chelsea have a good relationship with Monaco, having done deals for Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile in recent seasons. But because Filipe Luis seemed to be a bit desperate in his verdict.
However, a move fell through. Talk of agents bumping up the fee to get a bigger slice emerged on social media. But deadline day works in mysterious ways, and now, a move for Camara looks like it is back on.
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Chelsea make Camara move despite Manu Kone reports
That’s after it was initially reported Manu Kone would be targeted. On Tuesday morning, Gianluca Di Marzio said Chelsea were in advanced talks for Kone while Jamie Gittens was set to join Roma on loan.
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However, Gian Piero Gasperini has blocked a move and attention has returned to Camara. The 22-year-old ace is the subject of a rejected £38.5m offer from Chelsea, with talks ongoing between the clubs.
Why Chelsea’s first offer is absolutely pointless
The first bid is just a waste of everyone’s time. Earlier this summer, Crystal Palace tabled a £43m bid, but Monaco rejected that too. He wants to join Chelsea, Monaco will sell at the right price, Chelsea are keen.
Lamine Camara of AS Monaco
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So why have Chelsea wasted time, when time is valuable on deadline day, by attempting to lowball the French side? Why did they genuinely think Monaco would accept £38.5m, after rejecting Palace’s £43m?
It is an utterly pointless first bid, and while Chelsea could make a second offer that meets Monaco’s price tag, the first bid causes more tension and fans are growing more impatient because of it. It seems silly.
How much do Monaco want for their star midfielder?
Right now, it is unclear how much Monaco are requesting for Camara’s signature. But after Palace saw an offer turned down, it was reported earlier this summer by Nice Matin that Monaco want a £51m figure.
Chelsea’s initial offer was worth 45m Euros, while Monaco’s asking price looks to be around 60m Euros. Ultimately, Chelsea need to improve their offer by £12.5m. Well, they have just sold Marc Guiu for £14.5m.
Tosin is leaving for £7m to Spurs, and other players could leave Chelsea permanently on the final day. If Chelsea are at all serious about signing a midfielder today, they should meet Monaco’s asking price.