Chelsea are closing in on Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and are also plotting a "big-name" midfield addition if Enzo Fernandez completes a transfer to Manchester City. The Argentine wants to link up with Enzo Maresca again and the two clubs are working on a deal worth over £100million. He has reached an agreement on personal terms but club-to-club negotiations are yet to reach a conclusion.
Camara targeted as Fernandez replacement
Xabi Alonso and the Chelsea recruitment staff have identified another midfielder who could help manage the exit of Fernandez, with Camara of significant interest. Foot Mercato has reported that progress is being made towards signing an as-yet-unnamed player, described as 'a very big name' destined for Stamford Bridge.
The Sun claim that Camara could be unveiled as a Chelsea player on Sunday, with the 22-year-old flying to London on Saturday to get a deal over the line. Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi was reportedly under consideration by Chelsea, who were knocked back in their pursuit of highly sought-after midfielder Alex Scott earlier in the window.
Busy final days of the window
Chelsea got their campaign off to a flying start on Monday with victory over west London rivals Fulham. They welcome Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday (2pm) in Alonso's first home fixture at the helm. Time is ticking away to bolster the squad with the transfer window closing on September 1.
Chelsea are still awaiting a formal offer from City for Fernandez, while City are also edging closer to securing Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo. The midfielder was omitted from the squad that defeated Luton Town in the Carabao Cup during the week, casting doubt over his involvement for the Seagulls' visit to the capital this weekend.
Goalkeeper addition also planned
Yet Chelsea's activity doesn't end there, with Emi Martinez edging closer to a return to the capital. The Aston Villa goalkeeper will bring invaluable experience and much-needed quality between the posts for the Blues, following Robert Sanchez's heavily criticised display against Fulham. A two-year deal for Martinez, bringing assured Premier League calibre, would represent a welcome boost for Alonso.
Chelsea look set for a hectic few days and could further bolster their spending this summer with a flurry of activity in the final stages of the window.
