AS Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro has publicly expressed hope that midfielder Lamine Camara will remain at the Ligue 1 club, even as negotiations with Chelsea over the Senegal international’s transfer reportedly gathered pace on Thursday.
Scuro acknowledged the difficulty of retaining the 22-year-old amid mounting financial pressures that may force the Principality side to sanction player sales before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. “We hope that he stays, but we have to make financial decisions […] but for Lamine we hope that he stays at Monaco for one more season,” Scuro told Canal Plus.
Chelsea negotiations
Foot Mercato reported that discussions between Monaco and Chelsea took place on Thursday regarding Camara’s potential move to Stamford Bridge. Onze Mondial subsequently indicated that talks were expected to resume on Friday as the Premier League club push to strengthen their midfield options.
The Senegal international featured for Monaco on Thursday evening against Polish side Górnik Zabrze, playing his part as the club secured qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League League Phase. His participation in future European fixtures hangs in the balance should Chelsea succeed in their pursuit before the deadline.
Financial constraints
Monaco’s need to raise funds complicates their efforts to retain key personnel. Scuro admitted that striker Folarin Balogun, who has attracted interest from Premier League clubs and Barcelona, could also depart to help balance the books. “It is possible that he stays and possible that he leaves,” Scuro said regarding the American forward.
Manager Filipe Luís has previously described Camara as a “special player” and is understood to be desperate to keep the midfielder in his squad. However, with Monaco facing difficult financial decisions and Chelsea maintaining their interest, the Portuguese coach may be forced to lose one of his most prized assets despite the club’s public desire to keep him.