Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara to replace Enzo Fernandez, who is nearing a blockbuster move to Manchester City. Enzo Maresca is eager to reunite with the Argentina midfielder at the Etihad Stadium, with City said to be trying to finalise a £120million deal.
That would make Fernandez the world's most expensive midfielder, surpassing Elliot Anderson. Reports emerging online suggest that Fernandez's switch to City is imminent. However, it is understood by football.london that this is not accurate.
Transfer assessment and Camara links
Sources indicate that any bid for the Argentina international will be assessed only in relation to Xabi Alonso's squad. Nonetheless, Chelsea are being linked with a replacement and Camara is under consideration, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
It is claimed that the Blues are attempting to land the Senegal international for approximately £51m within the next 48 hours. Camara delivered an impressive 2025/26 campaign, scoring three goals and registering four assists in 31 outings as a crucial component of Monaco's midfield.
Deadline pressure and fan reaction
Time is ticking to finalise the deal, with the summer transfer window closing on Tuesday night. City missed Chelsea's self-imposed August deadline to meet a £120m valuation for Fernandez, but they could lodge a late offer.
He received a frosty reception during Chelsea's pre-season game against Real Sociedad, with audible jeers ringing out when he entered the pitch. It comes after his crucial equalising goal in this summer's World Cup semi-final triumph against England, after which the 25-year-old cupped his ears in front of supporters.
Omission explained
The Argentina international was notably absent from Thursday evening's victory against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup second round. Chelsea manager Alonso insisted that Fernandez's omission was purely to afford other players game time, maintaining that he remains a "good professional".
Speaking after the game, Alonso said: "It was a decision from myself and from the club. We had other players that needed minutes and it was that way. It's a decision that I took. He's a good professional. He's training well. I have nothing to say about him. It was just a decision that we had to take, thinking about the game that we're playing tonight and we'll see for (Brighton on) Sunday."
