Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Monaco for Lamine Camara in a deal worth around €45million (£39m) including bonuses.
The Blues have spent several days negotiating for the Senegal international as Xabi Alonso looks to strengthen his midfield before Tuesday night’s transfer deadline.
Now there has been the breakthrough Chelsea were waiting for.
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that an agreement in principle has been reached between Chelsea and Monaco, although details surrounding the payment schedule and some bonuses still need to be finalised before the transfer is completely done.
Chelsea reach Lamine Camara breakthrough
The development represents a major step from Chelsea’s position over the weekend.
ReadChelsea reported on Saturday that Chelsea were closing in on a Lamine Camara transfer with a London trip expected, but there was not yet an agreement between the clubs.
That has now changed.
Tavolieri places the package at €45m including add-ons, significantly below some of the €60m valuations attached to Camara earlier in Chelsea’s pursuit.
The deal is not yet officially complete, with the structure of the payments and certain bonuses still requiring agreement.
But Chelsea have crossed the most important hurdle by finding common ground with Monaco over the overall value.
Enzo Fernandez situation hangs over Chelsea deal
Camara’s prospective arrival continues to come amid uncertainty surrounding Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentina international has already agreed personal terms with Manchester City, but Chelsea are still waiting for City to turn their interest into an acceptable formal offer.
Camara has been viewed as one of the leading candidates to strengthen Alonso’s midfield regardless of what happens with Fernandez.
The 22-year-old offers a different profile through his mobility, ball-winning and ability to carry possession through midfield.
ReadChelsea has already examined why Lamine Camara could transform Alonso’s Chelsea midfield.
That profile could become even more important following the latest injury concern surrounding Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea move one step from Camara deal
There remain formalities to complete.
The payment structure and remaining bonus clauses need resolving before Chelsea can regard Camara as their player.
A medical and contractual formalities would then follow.
But after meetings, negotiations and several days of uncertainty, Chelsea have finally reached an agreement in principle over the transfer itself.
With the deadline rapidly approaching, one of the Blues’ biggest remaining summer moves is now significantly closer to completion.
