Chelsea are giving Manchester City until the end of this week to make an approach for their Argentina international, a player we have been reporting all summer as a serious candidate for this summer’s market.
Simultaneously, the west London club have begun looking at Monaco's Lamine Camara recently.
The central midfielder is holding out for an established top club if he is to leave Monaco for the Premier League this summer and he would be interested in Chelsea.
Crystal Palace failed with a €50million approach, and the Eagles have received little encouragement from the player’s side that he will push for the move.
Camara, 22, is open to leaving Monaco - but his preference is understood to be for a club with greater prestige and ambitions at the top end of English football.
That currently leaves Palace facing an uphill battle despite their willingness to make a significant investment.
Chelsea have made inroads around the Senegal international about potentially making an offer this summer.
Manchester United have also been linked, but at present Chelsea appears to represent the most likely landing spot possibility for Camara.
Camara may have to be patient if Chelsea are to become a realistic destination, with departures likely to be required before the Blues can make room for another high-profile midfield signing.
And Fernandez is one player whose future could become relevant to the situation.
Chelsea have also been assessing other midfield options, too, including Premier League duo Alex Scott and Adam Wharton, meaning Camara is not the only player under consideration.
The Monaco midfielder’s growing reputation explains why the competition for his signature is developing.
Camara joined Monaco from Metz in 2024 and has since established himself as one of the most highly regarded young midfielders in European football. His performances for club and country have continued to raise his profile, while an impressive World Cup campaign enhanced his standing.
Palace’s €50m offer demonstrated just how highly they rate him - but Camara appears to be waiting for a bigger opportunity.
Dean Jones is a transfer news and football insider for Flashscore, since 2025. He has been a journalist on leading UK newspapers and websites over the past 20 years, establishing himself as an authoritative and trusted voice in the industry.
