Chelsea submit €45m bid for Lamine Camara - Romano

Updated: 1 Sept 2026 10:42 BST | 3 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Chelsea have submitted a €45 million bid for AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, according to football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano.

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An agreement for the Senegal international to join Xabi Alonso’s side was believed to be close to Sunday night, but negotiations stalled on Monday and the Blues pivoted their attention to AS Roma’s Manu Kone.

FootballTransfers understands that personal terms have been agreed with the France midfielder, but Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini wants to keep his star man and Chelsea have now reverted back to pursuing a deal for Camara.

Current ETV

Lamine Camara

M, DM (C)

Monaco

Lamine Camara

M, DM (C)

Monaco

ETV Range

€29.9M - €36.5M

It’s reported that Chelsea never left negotiations to sign the Monaco midfielder and they have now made a formal approach to bring him to Stamford Bridge on Transfer Deadline Day.

That is according to Romano, who posted on X: “EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea send official bid to AS Monaco for Lamine Camara worth €45m package.

“Bid seen as too low by Monaco but talks ongoing - one to watch if Enzo Fernández leaves the club with Man City in talks with Chelsea since last night. Camara, keen on Chelsea move.”

It’s understood that Chelsea’s opening offer will not be enough to secure a transfer, but they are highly likely to return with an improved bid if Man City match their €140m asking price for Fernandez.

The Argentina superstar has already agreed personal terms with Man City, as he looks to reunite with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, and a transfer is expected to be finalised before the transfer window slams shut at 23:00 BST.

© IMAGO - Lamine Camara wants to join Chelsea

Will Lamine Camara join Chelsea?

While Chelsea's opening proposal is too low, Camara is now expected to join the Blues before the window closes, with the club set to allow Fernandez to join City.

The Senegal star is regarded as one of the most underrated midfielders in European football and he will likely be deployed alongside Moises Caicedo in Alonso's favoured double pivot if Chelsea are able to agree a deal.

Meanwhile, Dario Essugo is likely to leave on loan if Camara arrives, with Chelsea keen for him to receive significant game time this season.