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News
- 17 minutes ago
Chelsea to pay 'astronomical' fee for Enzo Fernandez replacement
Tom Weber
- Updated: 30 Mar 2026 13:57 BST
- 4 min read
News
Enzo Fernandez is increasingly talking up a departure from Chelsea, but a replacement may already be lined up in the shape of AS Monaco star Lamine Camara.
The Argentina international looks set to be on the move this summer, having grown frustrated with the Blues' lack of competitiveness in major competitions. Fernandez, who is believed to be keen on joining Real Madrid, has just announced that he wants to live in the Spanish capital.
Losing the 25-year-old would be a big blow, although there is an argument to be made that it could be a blessing in disguise. The financial windfall of any deal - with Chelsea unlikely to sell for less than €100 million - would also come in handy.
Current ETV
Lamine Camara
M, DM (C)
Monaco
Lamine Camara
M, DM (C)
Monaco
ETV Range
€31.3M - €38.3M
A potential departure of Fernandez would necessitate the signing of a new midfielder, which is something Chelsea were likely planning to do anyway, even before the World Cup winner began openly flirting with a move away.
According to CaughtOffside, one player that is being closely monitored by the Stamford Bridge club is Monaco star Lamine Camara, and the Senegal international is expected to be on the move this summer.
Chelsea want Camara
The 22-year-old joined Monaco from Metz in 2024 for €15m as a highly-rated prospect. He has since established himself as a key cog in the Ligue 1 side's midfield, making a total of 65 appearances.
An energetic central midfielder, Camara is not as attack-minded as Fernandez, but Chelsea may not need a like-for-like replacement, given that they have Andrey Santos on their books.
Camara is being followed by numerous clubs, including Liverpool, and he is likely to take the next step in his career this summer. Monaco won't stand in his way, but only at the right price.
The Principality club are under no pressure to sell Camara, so it could require an "astronomical" fee to prise him away from them. The report claims that a fee in the region of €65m-€75m is currently being touted.
Chelsea, though, have shown that they are ready to spend big on players they feel can make an immediate impact, and their knowledge of the French market also potentially works in Camara's favour.
Moreover, this isn't the first time the Blues have been linked with him. The young midfielder was already associated with a transfer to West London last year, so it would not come as a shock if Chelsea were to finally act on their interest.
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