Monaco head coach Filipe Luis has expressed his desire to retain midfielder Lamine Camara, even as Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for the 22-year-old ahead of the transfer deadline.
Camara featured prominently for Monaco over the weekend, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2-0 victory over Marseille. His performance came amid swirling speculation about his future, with reports suggesting Chelsea have shown interest in signing him before the window closes.
Speaking after the win against Marseille, Filipe Luis, who previously played for Chelsea before taking charge at Monaco, addressed questions about Camara's situation directly. "I hope to keep him," the coach said. "You see the player that he is – unbelievable. Until the end of the transfer window, anything can happen. Everyone hopes that he stays. He is elite."
Those comments suggest Monaco are eager to hold onto one of their key midfield performers, despite the uncertainty that often accompanies the closing stages of a transfer window. Filipe Luis's remarks indicate the club's stance is to resist any approach for Camara, though he acknowledged that developments could still occur before the deadline passes.
The interest in Camara comes at a time when Chelsea's transfer business is also being shaped by other midfield considerations. Enzo Fernandez continues to be linked with a potential departure to Manchester City, though as things stand, Chelsea have not received any formal offer for the Argentine international. This ongoing situation involving Fernandez could have implications for Chelsea's broader midfield planning, potentially influencing whether they pursue a move for Camara with greater urgency.
Adding to the discourse around Camara's valuation, French journalist Matt Spiro took to social media platform X to comment on the reported transfer fee being discussed for the Senegalese midfielder. Spiro suggested that the figure being mentioned, €45 million (approximately £38.5 million), significantly undervalues Camara's ability and potential.
"The €45million (£38.5m) being quoted for Lamine Camara is crazily low," Spiro wrote. "He was sensational tonight for Monaco against Marseille. Never stops running, so quick, so athletic, so clever, and still only 22."
Spiro went further, suggesting that any club managing to secure Camara's signature at that price would be getting exceptional value. "Terrific signing if Chelsea get it done," he added, reflecting a broader sentiment among observers that Camara's quality on the pitch outstrips his current market valuation.
Camara's performance against Marseille appeared to reinforce the growing reputation he has built at Monaco, with his energy, technical ability, and game intelligence drawing praise. At just 22 years old, he is viewed by many as a player with considerable upside, making him an attractive target for clubs looking to strengthen their midfield options.
As the transfer deadline approaches, the situation remains fluid. Monaco's public stance is clear in wanting to keep Camara within their ranks, but the interest from a Premier League club like Chelsea, combined with the relatively modest fee being discussed, means speculation is likely to persist until the window officially closes. Whether Filipe Luis's hopes of retaining his prized midfielder will be realized remains to be seen, with the coach himself acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the transfer market in its final days.
Based on reporting from Standard (football).