Chelsea eager to complete €55m January signing
Chelsea remain interested in AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and they are reportedly eager to finalise a deal for the 22-year-old during the upcoming January transfer window.
The Senegal international was on the verge of joining Xabi Alonso’s side on Deadline Day after a €55 million agreement was struck, but Monaco pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute, leaving Chelsea without a replacement for Enzo Fernandez.
It’s understood that Monaco cancelled their agreement to sell Camara as they believed striker Folarin Balogun was heading to Everton, however that transfer also fell through after the USA forward opted against moving to Merseyside.
It has been reported that Monaco’s conduct left Chelsea’s hierarchy furious and rumours suggest their fractured relationship could deny Camara the chance to move to Stamford Bridge in 2027.
However, this has been denied by TEAMtalk, who claim that Chelsea remain eager to sign Camara, with a January deal not out of the question.
It’s reported that Chelsea officials have watched every minute of Camara in action since his proposed move to west London fell through and they are assessing the possibility of an approach when the winter transfer window opens on 1 January.
Despite this, Alonso’s side will face significant competition for Camara’s signature, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Newcastle United all interested in the midfielder, who is open to leaving Monaco next year.
Camara has played every available minute across all competitions for Monaco so far this season, scoring once and providing one assist, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €29.9m.
What has Lamime Camara said?
While Camara was reportedly keen to join Chelsea on the final day of the summer window, he has confirmed that he has already moved on from the transfer saga.
When asked about his failed summer move to Chelsea ahead of Monaco’s 1-1 draw against Strasbourg in mid-September, Camara told reporters (via BBC Sport): “There was a possibility I could leave. It didn't go through at the last minute and that's part of football. I've turned the page and am focusing on the season.
“I can help the team a lot. Football moves fast. Maybe other opportunities will come along. But for now, I'm staying focused on the season with Monaco.”
Although Chelsea have rekindled their interest in Camara, it has been widely reported that Liverpool are now the frontrunners to secure his signature.
