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Lamine Camara remains on Chelsea’s radar after a chaotic deadline-day collapse, yet a renewed move for the 22-year-old Senegalese midfielder could prove much harder next year.
Chelsea transfer news has centred on the midfield vacancy created by Enzo Fernández’s £125 million move to Manchester City. The Blues agreed a reported £47m deal with Monaco for Camara, who was expected to replace Fernández. Still, Monaco pulled out after Folarin Balogun’s proposed move to Everton changed the club’s financial position. Sky Sports reported that Camara was preparing for his medical before Monaco reversed its decision.
Fernández completed his move to City on a five-year contract, while Chelsea honoured their agreement despite losing their intended replacement. The fee matched the British transfer record.
Now Denis Zakaria has revealed that he urged Camara to stay at Monaco. After Monaco’s 2-1 win over Lens, the Swiss midfielder said he told his younger teammate that Chelsea was a good option, but staying in the Principality was better. Reports attributed the comments to Metro.
Zakaria’s advice carries personal context. He spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Chelsea, making 11 appearances. His experience shaped the message, although Camara has responded on the pitch.
Why could Lamine Camara make Chelsea’s pursuit harder?
Monaco have shown they can change their position when financial priorities shift. Sporting director Thiago Scuro said the club wanted to keep Camara and suggested the midfielder could have better options and offers next year.
Camara’s form strengthens that position. He has continued to play an important role for Monaco after the failed switch, while Chelsea must decide whether another midfield target offers better value.
Returning for Camara makes sense because Chelsea identified him as Fernández’s replacement. However, Monaco’s stance means Chelsea cannot assume the previous £47m figure will remain available. If Camara keeps producing, his price could rise further.
Should Chelsea return for Lamine Camara?
My view is that Chelsea should keep the midfielder on their shortlist, but they shouldn’t treat him as the only answer. The deadline-day collapse showed how quickly a transfer can fall apart when another club’s finances change.
Camara may suit Chelsea’s midfield, yet the Blues need room to compare alternatives before committing another major fee. Paying substantially more simply because the first deal failed would make little sense.
Zakaria’s advice could matter if Camara feels settled at Monaco.