Lamine Camara’s Chelsea move could hinge on Enzo Fernandez

Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro has said Lamine Camara could still leave before the transfer deadline, with Chelsea interested in the midfielder.

Scuro addresses Camara situation after Marseille win

According to Football.London, Scuro answered questions about Camara’s future after Monaco’s 2-0 win over Marseille, which was Filipe Luis’ fourth successive victory.

Camara started the match despite Chelsea having been in intense talks over a potential deal. The report adds that any move may hinge on Enzo Fernandez’s future.

Scuro indicated that he was working on Camara’s situation for the coming days, with the midfielder among the players whose futures could develop before the deadline.

Monaco’s position and the competition for Camara

Camara’s place in the starting line-up against Marseille drew attention amid the reported Chelsea talks. After the match, Luis said he hoped to keep the midfielder, praised his quality and acknowledged that developments could still occur before the transfer window closes.

Chelsea are not the only Premier League club credited with interest. Crystal Palace reportedly bid around £30million for Camara earlier this month, while Liverpool, Brighton and Nottingham Forest have also been linked with the Senegal midfielder.

Where this fits into Chelsea’s midfield plans

Camara is a Chelsea midfield target, with the reported discussions over a potential deal possibly dependent on Fernandez’s future. Monaco, meanwhile, are under pressure to raise cash to remain compliant with financial regulations.

Scuro’s comments leave Camara’s situation as one of the issues Monaco could address before the transfer deadline.

What happens next

The deadline falls the day after Scuro’s comments, leaving limited time for Monaco and any interested clubs to reach a decision. His indication that he was continuing to work on the situation points to further developments being possible.

Chelsea’s potential move may depend on developments involving Fernandez, while Monaco also have interest from other Premier League clubs to consider.

Balogun also faces uncertain Monaco future

Monaco’s other transfer issue concerns Folarin Balogun, with Arsenal holding a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause for the striker. Everton are keen on Balogun and could move after agreeing to sell Beto to Fiorentina.

Scuro confirmed that discussions are taking place over Balogun and said Monaco had signed Matthis Abline as they prepare to maintain the squad’s quality should the forward leave. Balogun is sidelined by a muscle issue after scoring 19 goals and registering five assists in 43 appearances last season.

Tottenham have been linked with Balogun during the window, but Football.London reports that Spurs are not pursuing him at present.