Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle with AS Monaco to sign midfielder Lamine Camara, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Chelsea agree €45m deal for Monaco’s Lamine Camara as Enzo Fernandez closes in on Man City exit
The deal is worth approximately €45 million (£38.5m) including bonuses, with only the payment schedule remaining to be finalised.
The 22-year-old Senegal international will arrive at Stamford Bridge as a direct replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who is in the advanced stages of completing a monumental £120m move to Premier League rivals Manchester City.
Chelsea have actively pursued Camara throughout the summer, outmanoeuvring Crystal Palace to secure their priority target.
Fernandez’s impending departure follows a turbulent period under manager Xabi Alonso, who dropped the Argentine from his squad for Thursday’s Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town.
Explaining his decision, Alonso stated: “We need the players that are in the best situation to play. For me, it is very important they feel this desire to play and to have good preparation”.
Alonso confirmed he held a private discussion with Fernandez before the match, adding: “We talked and we decided it was better not to be part of the squad. He is a top player”.
Camara brings an impressive record to west London, having made 75 appearances for Monaco across all competitions since joining the French club, contributing six goals and 11 assists.
He has also established himself as a key figure for the Senegalese national team, earning 37 caps and featuring at both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.
Chelsea will look to finalise Fernandez’s departure to Manchester City while officially unveiling Camara in the coming hours.
The new signing will join a reshaped midfield that already includes summer arrivals Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson.
