Chelsea have watched every minute of Lamine Camara’s football since his return to Monaco and continue to consider the possibility of reigniting their interest. Sources continue to insist that the Blues are still very much in the hunt for the Senegal international ahead of the January window.
The report says Chelsea remain very interested in signing the 22-year-old and have dismissed suggestions their relationship with Monaco is beyond repair. Despite the bitter way summer negotiations collapsed, a winter move to Stamford Bridge cannot be ruled out.
Camara had been on the verge of a £47m move to west London on deadline day with a six-year deal waiting for him pending a medical. However, Monaco quickly backed out of the deal after the 11pm deadline and informed Chelsea of their decision in writing. The Ligue 1 side withdrew after a renegotiated sale of Folarin Balogun to Everton collapsed.
Chelsea thought Monaco’s actions were totally out of order and unprofessional. Still, the Blues sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for £125m, leaving a gaping hole in midfield.
Now, Chelsea are facing increasing competition for the midfielder’s signature this winter. Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Newcastle United have all been impressed by his performances, and Palace’s offer has already been rejected by Monaco. Liverpool are understood to be ready to offer at least €70m – a figure well in excess of what Chelsea had originally agreed.
Chelsea’s Midfield Depth Still Fragile Post Enzo Fernandez Exit
Chelsea’s continuing interest in Camara is a sign of a glaring lack of options in the engine room at Stamford Bridge. With Fernandez’s untimely departure, Xabi Alonso is left with only four natural midfield options.
Moises Caicedo remains the fulcrum of the side, and his absence through injury early in the season showed just how much the Blues depend on him. Romeo Lavia is undoubtedly a quality option, but the Belgian’s perennial fitness problems make him a questionable long-term option.
The Spanish tactician can also call on the now 36-year-old Jordan Henderson and the relatively inexperienced Valentin Barco to round out his quartet. Camara, with 78 appearances for Monaco, would offer the durability and defensive acumen needed to complement Caicedo.