Chelsea has reached an agreement in principle with AS Monaco for the transfer of midfielder Lamine Camara for a fee of €45 million (£39 million), which includes bonuses, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

However, the deal remains pending as pending arrangements regarding the payment schedule and certain bonuses still need finalization.

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Camara played in Monaco’s Ligue 1 match against Marseille on Sunday evening, indicating that the transfer is not yet completed.

Although the 22-year-old has been offered to Liverpool, reports suggest that the club is unlikely to pursue a midfielder before the transfer window closes.

Chelsea is actively seeking a midfielder, especially with Enzo Fernandez reportedly wanting to join Manchester City before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Fernandez was absent for the second game in a row as Chelsea won 4-3 against Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Previously, Chelsea had interest in Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, but those efforts were not successful.

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While Camara may not serve as a direct replacement for Fernandez, he does exhibit some comparable qualities to the Argentina international.

Fernandez plays as a controlling deep-lying midfielder, whereas Camara is characterized by his dynamism; he is capable of covering significant ground, influencing various phases of play, and is known for his aggressive style.

If he finalizes his transfer to Chelsea, Camara could partner with Moises Caicedo in a double pivot, though he may encounter tough competition for a starting position.

Camara began his career with Senegalese club Generation Foot before transferring to Metz in 2023. He then joined Monaco the following year in a €15 million (£13 million) deal.

Thus far, Camara has made 75 appearances for the French club across all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists.

Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle with AS Monaco to sign midfielder Lamine Camara for €45 million (£39m) including bonuses, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

However, an agreement on the payment schedule and a few bonuses has to be reached before the deal can be concluded.

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Camara featured in Monaco’s Ligue 1 clash with Marseille on Sunday evening, suggesting the move is yet to be completed.

The 22-year-old has also been offered to Liverpool, but it is understood that the Reds are unlikely to sign a midfielder before the end of the transfer window.

Chelsea are looking to sign a midfielder, with Enzo Fernandez pushing to join Manchester City before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Fernandez was left out of the squad for the second consecutive game as Chelsea beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

They were previously linked with Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, but were unsuccessful in their pursuit.

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Camara will not be a like-for-like replacement for Fernandez, although he shares some similar attributes with the Argentina international.

Fernandez is more of a controlling deep-lying midfielder, while Camara is more dynamic; he can cover a lot of ground, influence different phases of play, and is also aggressive.

Camara could play alongside Moises Caicedo in a double pivot should he complete a move to Chelsea, although he could face stiff competition for a starting berth.

The midfielder started his career with Senegalese club Generation Foot before joining Metz in 2023. He moved to Monaco a year later in a €15m (£13m) deal.

Camara has featured in 75 matches across all competitions for the French side, registering six goals and 11 assists.