Chelsea have had a €45million (£38.5m) bid rejected by Monaco for Lamine Camara, but negotiations remain ongoing as the Blues push to strengthen their midfield before the transfer deadline.
Camara’s future has taken several twists over the past 48 hours after Chelsea appeared to move away from the Senegal international and make Roma midfielder Manu Koné their priority.
The Blues have now returned with a concrete offer.
The Athletic reports that Chelsea submitted a €45m bid for Camara, which Monaco rejected. However, talks between the clubs are continuing ahead of Tuesday’s 11pm deadline.
Chelsea return for Lamine Camara
The development marks another significant change in Chelsea’s pursuit.
ReadChelsea previously reported that Chelsea appeared close to a £39m Camara agreement before those claims were disputed and Manu Koné emerged as the club’s new priority.
Chelsea have now made their interest in Camara concrete with a formal bid.
Importantly, The Athletic says club sources maintain the pursuit is separate from Enzo Fernandez’s potential move to Manchester City.
That suggests Chelsea could still add Camara regardless of whether Fernandez completes his blockbuster deadline-day exit.
Monaco remain in a strong negotiating position. Camara, 22, has started all four of their matches this season and has made 75 appearances since joining from Metz in 2024.
The first Chelsea offer has therefore failed.
But with negotiations continuing, the transfer remains very much alive.
