Chelsea agree £47.1m deal for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara

Chelsea have agreed to pay £47.1 million for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara after deciding an opportunity had opened to sign one of their main targets at a lower price.

The 22-year-old is due to undergo a medical once Enzo Fernandez completes his move to Manchester City. That transfer matches the British record fee of £125 million. Chelsea had been reluctant to meet Monaco’s asking price, but lowered their demands after doubts resurfaced over Folarin Balogun’s proposed move from Monaco to Everton.

Chelsea had expected to continue with their existing midfield options after approving Fernandez’s departure. They also held talks with Roma’s Manu Kone and another Premier League player whose identity was not disclosed. Camara is not considered a direct replacement for Fernandez because he brings a different style to midfield.

The club believes the deal will help maintain the depth of Alonso’s squad. Chelsea entered the summer transfer window seeking to finish with a stronger team despite selling Fernandez to a direct rival. They say that goal has been supported by the arrivals of Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Emiliano Martinez, along with Emmanuel Emegha, Danny Welbeck, Geovany Quenda, Jordan Henderson, Valentin Barco, Marco Palestra and Pep Chavarria.

Alonso’s team have won against Fulham and Brighton in the Premier League and beat Luton Town to reach the third round of the Carabao Cup.