Chelsea are pushing hard to sign AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, according to a report from Foot Mercato, with the Blues leading the race for his signature.
The west London club are rapidly closing in on a deal as the transfer window enters its final stages, making Camara their top midfield priority.
Enzo Fernandez appears increasingly likely to depart Stamford Bridge, with Manchester City identified as a leading suitor for the Argentine midfielder.
Chelsea have been in contact with Monaco to understand the full conditions of a potential deal, with the French club’s hierarchy believing a formal bid is imminent.
Camara, 22, has established himself as one of the most exciting midfielders in French football after rising through the renowned Génération Foot academy in Senegal.
His European breakthrough came after joining Metz B in February 2023, and just two months later he made his senior debut in a 3-0 Ligue 2 victory over Bordeaux.
Camara became a regular starter after Metz secured promotion to Ligue 1 for the 2023-24 season, featuring 31 times before completing a move to Monaco the following summer.
He made 24 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, contributing three goals and four assists while averaging 51.6 accurate passes per 90 minutes, marginally higher than Fernandez’s 50.6 per 90 in the Premier League.
His physical strength in duels combined with composure in possession has drawn widespread attention, and he has been central to Monaco’s Champions League campaigns across each of the last two seasons.
Camara also started all four of Senegal’s games at this summer’s World Cup in North America, underlining his standing as a key international player.
Monaco are understood to be demanding €60 million for the midfielder, a figure Chelsea are reportedly prepared to meet as Xabi Alonso looks to reshape his squad.
Liverpool’s interest in Camara has also been reported, though sources suggest their pursuit is far less concrete than Chelsea’s advancing approach.