Chelsea have joined the race with Liverpool and Manchester United to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, according to reports in France.
Camara has spent two seasons with Monaco after joining in a £12.8 million deal from Metz two years ago. The 22-year-old has also made 49 appearances for Senegal and played in four games at the World Cup this summer.
Monaco reject Crystal Palace bid
This week, Crystal Palace have seen their offer in excess of £35m for Camara rejected by Monaco, who are trying to keep the defensive midfielder for at least another season.
But according to FootMercato, Monaco’s stance is likely to be tested even further as Chelsea are the latest club to have made an approach after Palace, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Monaco hold out for £42.7m fee
The report claims that Monaco are holding out for a €50m (£42.7m) transfer fee for the Senegal international. Monaco are also in a strong negotiating position as Camara still has three years remaining on his contract with the Ligue 1 side.
Speaking after his side’s 3-2 win against Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday, Monaco head coach Filipe Luis made it clear that he wants Camara to stay at the club.
Filipe Luis wants Camara to stay
‘We want to build a truly competitive team. I’m very selfish and I want to keep all the players. I don’t want anyone to leave,’ Luis said. ‘But I know that clubs have to make sales, which we have done. I hope we can keep him. He’s probably one of the best midfielders in the world.
‘I don’t want to say too much, because I know that many clubs are interested in him. We all want him to stay. He’s really important to me. He’s very gifted with the ball at his feet, he covers a lot of ground. He’s an exceptional player. I’m really pleased with him.
‘I have every hope that he stays. I think he’s happy in Monaco. If he stays, he’ll be able to work even harder. Because he’s going to play, as I said, a key role in my system of play.’
