Chelsea are the latest club to enter the contest for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, intensifying a transfer battle that already includes Liverpool and Manchester United.
Camara has spent the past two seasons with Monaco after joining the French club from Metz in a deal worth £12.8m two years ago. He has established himself as an important defensive midfield option and has continued to attract attention from leading clubs in England.
The Senegal international has won 49 caps for his country and played in four matches at this summer’s World Cup.
Monaco rejected a Crystal Palace offer worth more than £35m for Camara this week, as they attempted to keep the midfielder at the club for at least another season. However, the French side’s resolve is expected to face further scrutiny after Chelsea became the latest club to make an approach.
The report, carried by the English newspaper Metro and based on French media coverage, says Chelsea have followed Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Liverpool in showing interest in Camara.
Monaco are understood to be seeking a fee of €50m (£42.7m) for the player. Their negotiating position is strengthened by the fact that Camara still has three years remaining on his contract with the Ligue 1 club.
The midfielder’s future has also been discussed publicly by Monaco manager Filipe Luis, who made clear after his side’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday that he would prefer Camara to remain with the club.
“We want to build a truly competitive team. I am very selfish and I want to keep all the players. I do not want any of them to leave,” said Luis.
“But I know clubs are forced to sell some of their players, which is what we have done. I hope we can keep him. He is probably one of the best midfielders in the world.”
Camara’s performances for both Monaco and Senegal have made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in the current transfer market. Chelsea’s reported interest means Monaco could now face pressure from several Premier League clubs, while Crystal Palace have already demonstrated their willingness to meet a substantial asking price.
For now, Monaco retain control of the situation because of Camara’s long-term contract. Their rejection of Palace’s bid indicates that they are not prepared to accept an offer below their valuation, although the expected competition between Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United could lead to further proposals.
The French club’s preference remains to keep Camara for another campaign, but the size of the reported fee and the number of clubs involved could determine whether that position changes before the transfer window closes.
