Chelsea target Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara amid Enzo Fernandez uncertainty

Chelsea are considering a late move for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as they prepare for the possibility of Enzo Fernandez leaving the club for Manchester City on the final day of the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Radio Monte Carlo, Chelsea will make an approach for Camara if Fernandez completes a move to Manchester City and the London club fails to sign Manu Kone from Roma.

Monaco are determined to keep the Senegal international despite Chelsea’s late interest. Monaco manager Filipe Luis is particularly keen to retain the young midfielder, who impressed during Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Olympique de Marseille.

However, the next few hours could prove decisive. Chelsea’s pursuit of Camara is understood to depend largely on whether Manchester City can reach an agreement to sign Fernandez.

The Athletic reported earlier on Tuesday that Manchester City were engaged in intensive negotiations with Chelsea over a deal for the Argentina international.

Fernandez is reportedly willing to move to Manchester City and is waiting for the two clubs to settle the terms of the transfer. His family travelled from Buenos Aires to London on Tuesday morning as they awaited the outcome of the negotiations.

Several reports have indicated that Chelsea will only agree to sell players if the financial package is acceptable and the club has enough time and resources to strengthen its squad before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was asked about Fernandez’s future after Monday’s meeting with Fulham.

“Enzo’s future? In football, nothing surprises me. We will see what happens. Of course, I hope we can make changes in the future, but we will see this week,” said Alonso.

Spanish newspaper AS has reported that Chelsea have increased their asking price for Fernandez from 120m euros to 140m euros.

Manchester City continue to work on completing the signing of the 25-year-old, while Enzo Maresca is said to be strongly determined to bring his former star to the Etihad Stadium.

Fernandez is believed to have already agreed personal terms with Manchester City. Chelsea, who had previously insisted that the player was not for sale, are now understood to be more open to sanctioning his departure.

Agent Jorge Mendes played a role in Fernandez’s move to Stamford Bridge in January 2023 and has returned to the negotiations as he attempts to help Chelsea reach an agreement over the player’s exit.

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Portuguese club Benfica in January 2023. His contract with the Blues runs until the summer of 2032.

The Argentina international has made 169 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 31 goals and providing 30 assists. During his time at the club, he has won the FIFA Club World Cup once and the UEFA Conference League once.

Camara’s possible arrival would give Chelsea an alternative in midfield if Fernandez departs, although Monaco’s desire to keep the 21-year-old means any deal would have to be completed quickly before Tuesday’s deadline.