Chelsea reach 'agreement' to sign Enzo Fernandez replacement

30 Aug 2026 21:19 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to sign AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara for a transfer fee worth around €45 million.

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The Senegal international has emerged as a key target for Xabi Alonso’s side and they have been locked in talks with Monaco over the past few days as they look to strike an agreement before the summer transfer window closes on 1 September.

Current ETV

Lamine Camara

M, DM (C)

Monaco

Lamine Camara

M, DM (C)

Monaco

ETV Range

€29.9M - €36.5M

Camara, 22, has been a standout performer for Monaco since his arrival from Metz in 2024 and he has attracted substantial transfer interest throughout his time at the club thanks to his eye-catching form in Ligue 1.

Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been linked with the midfielder in recent months, but Chelsea look set to win the race for his signature amid their pursuit of a possible replacement for Manchester City target Enzo Fernandez.

Camara started for Monaco during their Ligue 1 clash against Marseille on Sunday night, however that is set to be his final appearance for the club before completing a move to Chelsea before Transfer Deadline Day.

The Blues have been in negotiations over a deal throughout the weekend and they have now reached an agreement in principle over a deal worth €45m, according to transfer reporter Sacha Tavolieri.

There are reportedly still several details that need to be finalised before the transfer will officially be completed, but there is significant confidence that Camara will become a Chelsea player shortly.

© IMAGO - Lamine Camara is set to join Chelsea

Lamine Camara to replace Enzo Fernandez?

Camara will likely only arrive at Chelsea if they finalise a deal to sell Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, with Enzo Maresca’s side expected to submit a fresh offer before Tuesday’s deadline.

The Argentina midfielder wants to join City this summer and with personal terms already agreed, it’s highly likely that a deal will go through if a suitable bid is lodged.

Fernandez made a cameo appearance against Fulham in Chelsea’s opening game of the new Premier League season, but he was omitted from the matchday squad to face Luton Town in the Carabao Cup on Thursday and was once again absent against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

When asked about Fernandez’s future after his side’s 4-3 win over Brighton, Xabi Alonso said: “We will see. We want the best for the team. If anything that will happen or develop, we are not sure.

“We are preparing for all the scenarios, but I know that from Wednesday, we have a team to challenge and I want to win.”