Chelsea target Lamine Camara as Monaco demand £42.7m for Senegal midfielder

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, with Liverpool and Manchester United also pursuing the Senegal international.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after defensive midfielders in Europe after two seasons with Monaco. The French club signed Camara from Metz for £12.8m two years ago, and his performances have since attracted increasing interest from Premier League clubs.

Monaco rejected a Crystal Palace offer worth more than £35m for Camara this week, as they attempt to keep the midfielder for at least another season. However, their resolve is expected to face a stronger test after Chelsea became the latest club to register interest.

The London club’s approach follows reported moves from Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Liverpool, who are all understood to be monitoring the player’s situation.

According to reports in the French media, cited by the English newspaper Metro, Monaco want a transfer fee of €50m (£42.7m) for Camara. The club are in a strong negotiating position because the player still has three years remaining on his contract.

Camara joined Monaco after establishing himself at Metz and has gone on to make 49 appearances for Senegal. He also played in four matches at this summer’s World Cup, further raising his profile on the international stage.

Monaco head coach Filipe Luis has made clear that he would prefer the midfielder to remain at the club. Speaking after Monaco’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday, Luis said his priority was to retain the core of his squad.

“We want to build a truly competitive team. I am very selfish and I want to keep all the players. I do not want any of them to leave,” he said.

Luis acknowledged that Monaco may eventually have to sell players, as they have done previously, but expressed hope that Camara would not be among those to depart.

“But I know clubs are forced to sell some of their players, which is what we have done. I hope we can keep him. He is probably one of the best midfielders in the world,” he added.

The growing interest leaves Monaco facing a decision over whether to accept a substantial offer for Camara or retain a player they regard as central to their plans. Chelsea’s entry into the contest has added another major contender to a transfer battle already involving three Premier League clubs, while the midfielder’s contract situation gives the French side further leverage in negotiations.