Atlético Madrid have identified AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as one of several targets as the club explores options to strengthen its midfield during the winter transfer window.
Head coach Diego Pablo Simeone is understood to be keen on adding fresh energy to the centre of the pitch as Atlético look to improve a season that has so far fallen short of expectations.
Despite an active summer transfer window that brought in a number of high-profile signings, the Madrid side find themselves in fourth place in LaLiga after 19 matchdays, trailing leaders Barcelona by 11 points.
Atlético’s domestic campaign has been marked by inconsistency, highlighted by their recent 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup.
While the club remains competitive in other competitions, the league position has prompted reflection within the hierarchy led by president Enrique Cerezo.
There have been more encouraging signs in Europe, with Atlético currently placed eighth in the Champions League standings, and progress has also been made in the Copa del Rey, where the team has reached the quarter-final stage.
Even so, there is a clear desire within the club to reinforce the squad in order to sustain a stronger challenge in the second half of the season.
One area of focus has been midfield, particularly following the departure of Conor Gallagher to Tottenham.
That exit is believed to have left a void that Simeone is eager to address, prompting the club’s recruitment team to compile a shortlist of potential additions.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Atlético Madrid are monitoring several midfielders across Europe.
The list reportedly includes Ederson of Atalanta, Manu Koné from AS Roma, Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar, João Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Monaco’s Lamine Camara.
Camara’s profile has risen further in recent weeks after qualifying with Senegal for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, a development that has increased attention on his performances.
His involvement at international level, combined with his club form, has placed him among the players attracting interest as the transfer window progresses.
Atlético’s approach suggests they are weighing multiple options rather than focusing on a single target, reflecting a cautious but ambitious strategy.
Simeone has traditionally prioritised midfielders capable of combining intensity, tactical discipline, and adaptability, qualities that are central to his system.
While no formal offer has been reported, Camara’s inclusion on Atlético’s shortlist indicates the club’s intent to explore a range of possibilities before committing to any move.
With the winter window offering limited opportunities compared to the summer, decisions are expected to be calculated and closely aligned with the club’s immediate needs.
As Atlético Madrid seek to close the gap in LaLiga and maintain momentum in Europe and domestic cup competitions, reinforcing the midfield remains a key objective.
Whether Lamine Camara emerges as a concrete target or remains one of several monitored profiles will become clearer as the transfer window unfolds.
