Chelsea are actively engaged in club-to-club discussions with AS Monaco for midfielder Lamine Camara, as the London club prepares for the potential departure of Enzo Fernandez. Fernandez, a key figure in Chelsea’s midfield, is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester City, with a late bid from the Premier League champions anticipated.

The urgency of Chelsea’s pursuit of Camara was highlighted by a direct meeting between representatives from Chelsea and Monaco yesterday (Thursday). According to Fabrizio Romano, speaking on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast, the two clubs share a strong working relationship, previously facilitating transfers such as Benoit Badiashile.

“Yeah he’s one of the players appreciated by Chelsea. From what I’m told, there was a meeting yesterday (Thursday) between Chelsea and Monaco, a direct club-to-club meeting, to explore different opportunities,” Romano stated. “The two clubs share a very good relationship. Chelsea signed some players like (Benoit) Badiashile from Monaco in the past, so the relationship is very good.”

Camara’s profile and Monaco’s stance

Lamine Camara, a 22-year-old energetic and defensively-minded holding midfielder, presents a different profile to Enzo Fernandez. He has garnered significant attention after impressing at last year’s African Cup of Nations and earning regular playing time at the World Cup. His performances have also caught the eye of other Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

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Monaco’s manager, Filipe Luis, has expressed a desire to keep Camara at the club, acknowledging his significant potential. “If he stays, he can continue to improve, especially with the ball at his feet. Without the ball, he’s already at an exceptional level, truly fantastic,” Luis told Tribuna.com. Despite this, Monaco is reportedly preparing for a possible late departure in the final days of the transfer window, understanding that a substantial offer might be difficult to refuse.

Camara’s Ligue 1 statistics from last season underscore his contributions:

• 24 matches played

• 3 goals scored

• 4 assists (6.08 expected assists)

• 1,048/1,220 passes completed/attempted (85.9% pass completion rate)

• 35 key passes

Fernandez’s looming exit and Chelsea’s contingency

The move for Camara comes as Chelsea’s ownership, BlueCo, has reportedly put plans in place to manage Enzo Fernandez’s potential exit. Fernandez’s desire to reunite with former Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca, now at Manchester City, has created a rift with Chelsea’s fanbase. Manager Xabi Alonso notably omitted Fernandez from the matchday squad for Chelsea’s recent 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Luton Town midweek, a decision that has fueled speculation.

Chelsea has already been active in the transfer market this summer, spending £117 million on new signings, including Morgan Rogers. The club’s proactive approach in targeting Camara suggests a clear strategy to address the potential void left by Fernandez as the transfer window enters its final stages.

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