Chelsea and Liverpool have reportedly expressed their interest in signing AS Monaco star Lamine Camara, as per TEAMtalk.
Following Andrey Santos’ move to Manchester United, the Blues currently have Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo as deeper midfield options.
Moreover, Reece James can provide cover in this position if needed, although he is a right-back by trait. So, on paper, Chelsea already have enough options in the engine room, especially given that they won’t be playing European football this season.
However, Fernández has been linked with a move to Manchester City late in this window, while Lavia, Essugo and James have had numerous fitness problems in recent times.
So, it appears Chelsea are considering strengthening the midfield department. TEAMtalk state that Chelsea are interested in Camara and have been monitoring his situation closely.
However, Liverpool have identified the Monaco star as a serious option to replace Curtis Jones, who is set to join Inter Milan. Moreover, Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace are also in this race.
Manchester United previously showed interest in Camara, but after deciding to sign Carlos Baleba, they are unlikely to make a move for the Senegalese international.
Battle
The report state that Brighton want Camara to replace Baleba, while the Eagles have already seen their £43m bid for the midfielder rejected by the Ligue 1 giants.
The 22-year-old is valued at around £34m by Transfermarkt and still has a contract until 2029. So, the Red and Whites are in a strong position to demand a big fee for him.
Camara is a defensive midfielder by trait but is also comfortable in the box-to-box role. Furthermore, he can provide cover in the CAM position if needed.
The youngster is quick, strong, can play threading passes between the lines, and is efficient in defensive contributions. He is a highly talented player and possesses the necessary physical attributes to flourish in the Premier League.
So, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Liverpool or Chelsea should either club purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the West London club or the Merseyside club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services.
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