Chelsea assess Lamine Camara move as Monaco respond to late-window interest

Chelsea have identified AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as a priority target for the closing stages of the summer transfer window, with a potential deal thought to be worth about €50m.

The London club’s interest has emerged as Enzo Fernandez continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City. Xabi Alonso has reportedly been considering possible alternatives in case the Argentina international leaves Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s squad for Thursday’s 2-0 EFL Cup second-round victory against Luton Town, a decision which suggested that a departure could be under serious consideration.

Chelsea had also been linked with Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. However, Bournemouth manager Marco Rose dismissed the possibility of that move, prompting the Blues to explore other options.

According to Foot Mercato journalist Sebastien Denis, Chelsea have now turned their attention to Camara, who is 22. The report says Alonso has made the Senegal international his preferred midfield reinforcement and that discussions have begun to establish whether negotiations over a transfer can take place.

However, AS Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro has played down the likelihood of Camara leaving the club. Speaking on Friday on the sidelines of the Conference League draw, Scuro offered a more cautious assessment of the midfielder’s prospects of joining Chelsea.

Camara moved to Monaco from Metz in the summer of 2024. Since then, he has scored six goals and provided 11 assists in 74 appearances for the club.

He has also featured in 15 Champions League matches and played in all four of Senegal’s games at the World Cup. Despite his age, Camara has already won 37 caps for the Lions, adding to his growing reputation internationally.

The midfielder has primarily operated as either a number six or a number eight during his career, giving him the flexibility to perform both defensive and more advanced roles in midfield.

Should Monaco eventually sanction his departure, the club may look to another Senegal international as a replacement. Sky Sports reports that Pape Matar Sarr, 23, is a potential option, with the Tottenham midfielder reportedly heading towards an exit from the north London club.

The possible move for Camara comes as Chelsea assess their midfield options late in the transfer window, with Fernandez’s future unresolved and the club continuing to consider alternatives. Monaco, meanwhile, appear reluctant to lose a player who has quickly become an important part of their squad since arriving from Metz.

Camara’s combination of club experience, Champions League exposure and international pedigree has made him an attractive target. But with Monaco yet to indicate that they are prepared to negotiate, Chelsea’s interest may not lead to an immediate agreement.