Crystal Palace have had a verbal offer reportedly worth more than £35m for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara rejected, according to reports in the British media.
The proposed deal would have made the 22-year-old Senegal international one of the most expensive signings in Crystal Palace’s history. However, Monaco have turned down the offer as the Premier League club continue to strengthen their squad this summer.
Camara has won 49 caps for Senegal and was involved in this summer’s World Cup. The midfielder joined Monaco from Metz in 2024 in a transfer reported to be worth €15m (£12.8m), having previously developed through several prominent Senegalese youth academies.
His performances in France have since attracted interest from Crystal Palace, who are looking to build under new manager Pierre Sage. The club appointed Sage this summer following the departure of Oliver Glasner, who has since taken charge of Nottingham Forest.
Palace have already completed four signings during the transfer window. Their additions include forward Guehi, who has joined on loan from Aston Villa, and winger Dwight McNeil from Everton in a deal that also involved Brennan Johnson.
Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu also arrived on a free transfer this week, forming part of the club’s recruitment drive ahead of the new campaign.
The Eagles will complete their pre-season preparations with a final friendly against Freiburg. They will then begin their Premier League campaign away at Everton on Saturday, 22 August.
A successful move for Camara would represent a significant investment from Crystal Palace and would add further competition to their midfield. Monaco’s decision to reject the initial verbal proposal means the Premier League club may have to improve their offer if they want to prise the Senegal midfielder away from France.
Camara’s possible transfer would also underline the scale of Palace’s ambitions under Sage, with the club having already reshaped several areas of the squad before the start of the season. His international experience and regular involvement for Monaco have made him a high-profile target, but the French club’s valuation has not been met by the first approach.
Crystal Palace must now decide whether to return with an improved bid or pursue alternative options before their opening league fixture. For the moment, Camara remains a Monaco player, with the French club having rejected an offer that reportedly exceeded £35m.