Chelsea deal hangs in the balance as 'emergency meeting' takes place

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Chelsea target Lamine Camara has been called into an emergency meeting by the AS Monaco hierarchy as they ponder a possible sale before the end of Transfer Deadline Day.

The Senegal international has been earmarked as a top target by Xabi Alonso’s side and they are eager to bring him to Stamford Bridge if Enzo Fernandez is sold to Manchester City within the next few hours.

Camara has reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year deal, but Chelsea’s opening offer of €45 million has been rejected and Monaco are demanding up to €60m to sanction a sale.

Meanwhile, Sacha Tavolieri has reported that Camara has been called into an “emergency meeting” with the Monaco hierarchy, the club’s manager Filipe Luis and his agent in order to discuss whether he will be allowed to join Chelsea before the 23:00 BST deadline.

It’s claimed that a decision will be made imminently, with Chelsea ready to submit an improved bid if they receive the green light to pursue a last-minute deal.

Camara has scored six goals in 75 appearances for Monaco and he has played the entire 90 minutes in all four of their fixtures so far this season. His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €33.2m, but Monaco want a far higher fee to permit a move to Chelsea.

Who will Chelsea sign if Monaco block Lamine Camara sale?

AS Roma star Manu Kone is also near the top of Chelsea’s transfer wishlist and FootballTransfers contributor Steve Kay has reported that personal terms have been agreed with the France midfielder.

However, Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini is desperate to keep the 25-year-old and it’s understood that he has blocked a sale before the summer window closes. Chelsea remain interested, but a deal now looks incredibly unlikely.

The Blues also retain interest in the likes of Adam Wharton, Martin Zubimendi, Morgan Gibbs-White, Lucas Bergvall and Alex Scott, but they are currently prioritising a move for Camara as Alonso chases a new midfielder to add to his squad.