Chelsea have joined Crystal Palace in the battle to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, with the Ligue 1 club understood to value the Senegal international at €50m.
Palace have already seen a club-record offer of £35m rejected by Monaco for the 22-year-old, leaving their hopes of taking him to Selhurst Park in greater doubt.
Chelsea’s interest, reported by Foot Mercato, could complicate the situation further. However, any move for Camara is expected to depend on the London club’s ability to sell one or possibly two midfielders before making a formal approach.
Monaco are under no pressure to lower their asking price. Camara is contracted to the club until 2029 and they have no intention of negotiating below the €50m valuation placed on a player who is highly regarded in the principality.
The midfielder made 31 appearances for Monaco last season, scoring three goals and setting up four more. His performances have attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, with Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Manchester United also reported to be monitoring his position.
Monaco manager Felipe Luis remains hopeful that Camara will stay with the club beyond the summer transfer window. Speaking after Monaco’s 3-2 pre-season victory over Liverpool, Luis said he wanted the midfielder to remain part of his plans.
“Yes, of course I have hope. I have every hope that he stays. I think he is happy at Monaco.
“If he stays, he can work even harder. Because he will play, as I said, a key role in my system.”
Palace’s proposed bid would have represented a club-record investment, but Monaco’s stance means the English club may need to significantly improve their offer if they are to reach an agreement.
Chelsea’s interest could also provide Monaco with increased leverage in negotiations, particularly if competition develops among the Premier League clubs tracking Camara. The London club, though, must first create room in their midfield before they can pursue the deal.
For now, Monaco’s long-term contract with Camara gives them a strong negotiating position. Their €50m valuation remains the key figure, while Luis’ public comments underline the club’s desire to retain the midfielder rather than allow him to leave during the current transfer window.
Camara’s next move could therefore depend on two factors: whether Chelsea can move players on and whether Palace or another interested club is prepared to meet Monaco’s demands.