Chelsea identify Enzo Fernandez replacement available at half the price as Xabi Alonso explains squad omission

Chelsea have earmarked Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as a potential replacement for Manchester City-bound Enzo Fernandez.

The 22-year-old is available for between £50million and £60m this summer, with Chelsea expecting to receive at least double that for Fernandez.

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He has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, with both Premier League clubs being offered the Senegalese international as a late window opportunity.

Crystal Palace had a verbal bid of £35million turned down by Monaco earlier this month and personal terms are not expected to be an issue if a fee is agreed with Chelsea.

talkSPORT understands Fernandez is edging closer to reuniting with former boss Enzo Maresca with a blockbuster transfer in its final stages, despite Chelsea denying that formal talks have taken place.

They previously set a deadline of August 14 for interested teams to meet their £120m price tag, but speculation around his future has only intensified after he was a notable omission from their Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town.

A late-window midfield domino effect involving Maresca and his former employers may coincide with Monaco losing their star midfielder, who they signed for €15m from fellow French outfit Metz two years ago.

Who is Lamine Camara?

Having begun his career at the renowned Generation Foot academy which has fostered the likes of Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr, a move to France kick-started his career in February 2023.

He played an integral role in Metz’s promotion to Ligue 1 during the 2023/24 season, leading to his move to the French Riviera in the summer of 2024 and clinching the prestigious African Young Player of the Year award.

Camara asserted himself at the heart of Monaco’s midfield in his maiden campaign.

With 29 league appearances and two goals and seven assists to his name, the 49-cap Senegal international also starred in their UEFA Champions League campaign that season as they reached the round of 32.

He propelled his game to new heights last season as European powerhouses began to take notice of his stellar performances as Monaco secured a seventh-placed finish.

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An ankle sprain towards the start of the season didn’t curtail his campaign with his tireless work rate and imposing 5’8″ frame saw him establish himself as one of the most promising young talents in Ligue 1.

Aiming to build on a successful FIFA World Cup where he started in all of Senegal’s games, Camara is set to seek pastures new this summer as he continues on his career upward trajectory.

Chelsea have held talks and discussions with the player’s representatives and a move is set to advance if Fernandez completes his switch to The Etihad Stadium.

Camara would add to a midfield department which has already undergone a significant makeover this summer, with Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson already through the door from Strasbourg and Brentford respectively.

Alonso questions Fernandez desire

Chelsea’s pursuit of Camara comes as Fernandez looks increasingly likely to leave Stamford Bridge for Manchester City.

Speculation over the Argentine’s future grew after he was missing from the Blues’ matchday squad for their Carabao Cup win over Luton, despite manager Xabi Alonso insisting a day earlier that he would use the player.

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Explaining his decision to later omit Fernandez from the squad, the Chelsea boss appeared to question his willingness to play.

Alonso explained: “We need the players that are in the best situation to play.

“We need to take everything into consideration – players that are in a good moment, players that are not feeling that energy to play.

“For me, it is very important they feel this desire to play and to have good preparation.”

Alonso spoke with Fernandez after training on Wednesday, with the Blues boss adding: “We talked and we decided it was better not to be part of the squad. He is a top player.”