AS Monaco coach Filipe Luís hopes Senegal star Lamine Camara stays amid Chelsea interest

Chelsea are stepping up their efforts to sign Senegal international Lamine Camara from AS Monaco with the summer transfer window approaching its deadline.

The 22-year-old midfielder has emerged as a key target for the Blues, who are reportedly working hard to reach an agreement with Monaco for his signature.

Despite the growing speculation surrounding his future, Camara remained in Monaco’s starting lineup for Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash against Marseille and delivered an outstanding performance.

The Senegal international played a central role as Monaco secured an important victory over their rivals, producing a display that further underlined why Chelsea are so interested in bringing him to Stamford Bridge.

Following the final whistle, however, Camara attracted attention when he went and sat alone in the Monaco dugout.

His solitary moment quickly fuelled speculation about his situation as Chelsea continue to push for his signature with only a short time remaining in the transfer window.

After the match, Monaco coach Filipe Luis made no secret of his desire to keep the midfielder at the club, although he acknowledged that the situation could still change before the window closes.

“I hope to keep him,” Filipe Luís said.

The Brazilian tactician continued to praise the qualities of the Senegalese midfielder, making it clear that Camara has become an important player within his plans.

“You see the player that he is – unbelievable. Until the end of the transfer window, anything can happen. Everyone hopes that he stays. He is elite,” said Luis as quoted by Get French Football News.

Camara’s performance against Marseille will only strengthen his reputation and potentially increase Chelsea’s determination to complete the deal.

For Monaco, the priority will now be to resist Chelsea’s late push and keep hold of one of their most highly rated midfielders. For Filipe Luís, meanwhile, the message is clear: he wants Camara to remain in the squad.

With the transfer window about to close, the coming hours could determine whether the Senegal international continues his development at Monaco or makes a high-profile move to the Premier League with Chelsea.