Chelsea have reportedly not given up on Lamine Camara, the AS Monaco midfielder and Senegal international, according to Footy-Africa. The Monaco club, who are said to want up to €70m for their player, had already turned down two London offers last summer.
Last summer Chelsea tried their luck twice for Lamine Camara: two bids, of €45m and then €50m, which Monaco rejected, reports Football365. The saga could yet have another episode: according to Footy-Africa, relayed by Sport Witness, the London club remain interested in the 22-year-old midfielder, and “the trend is towards another approach”.
So Chelsea have not moved on. The Principality club, for their part, seem in no hurry to part with their Senegal international, convinced they can get up to €70m for him, again according to Football365.
A tense summer
Monaco’s two rejections are not the only notable events in this file. Monaco had first agreed a €55m deal before pulling out on deadline day, according to Football365. A U-turn that did not go unnoticed in London: talkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Chelsea had judged the behaviour of the Monaco club “deeply unprofessional” during the transfer window.
In a quote carried by Football365, Ben Jacobs details the position at the time: “For those who don’t know, Chelsea tried twice for Lamine Camara, €45m and €50m, but it was rejected. Why? Because Monaco felt they were in a strong position to keep the player.” A strong position that did not stop the Londoners from keeping the file open.
Liverpool and Manchester United lurking
Chelsea are not alone in the race. Manchester United are also cited as an option for the 22-year-old midfielder, while Liverpool are said to have a “strong interest” and to be “ready to battle” Chelsea for the player, according to Football365. For now, these leads remain mere rumours.
Napoli have also reportedly earmarked Camara, along with his teammate Coulibaly, to strengthen their midfield in the January transfer window, reports CalcioNapoli1926.
An undisputed starter
Camara is also an undisputed starter at Monaco this season. He has played 12 matches between league and cup, almost always for the full 90 minutes, according to CalcioNapoli1926. Already at Monaco last season, the player, a 22-year-old Senegal international, is due to be called up by Senegal for the matches against Sudan on 13 and 17 November 2026.
The winter transfer window, in January 2027, will give Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester United the chance to decide whether to make a concrete offer.