Monaco are hopeful of keeping hold of Lamine Camara as transfer Deadline Day approaches, amid interest from Chelsea.

As reported by last week, Chelsea have identified the Senegal international as a possible replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who was left out of the squad to face Brighton at the weekend.

Fernandez continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City, though Chelsea are yet to receive an offer for the midfielder.

In any case, understands the Blues are exploring a move for Camara as long as Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain.

With that said, Monaco have made their intentions to keep the 22-year-old very clear as he started and played the full 90 minutes of Sunday’s 2-0 win over Marseille.

Following the game, Filipe Luis - formerly of Chelsea and now Monaco head coach - was asked about the midfielder’s future at the club and said: “I hope to keep him.

“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.”

Meanwhile, French journalist Matt Spiro has said the fee being mooted for Camara is “crazily low”, adding Chelsea would be making a “terrific signing” if a deal does get completed.

“The €45million (£38.5m) being quoted for Lamine Camara is crazily low,” Spiro posted on X, formerly Twitter. “He was sensational tonight for Monaco against Marseille. Never stops running, so quick, so athletic, so clever, and still only 22.

“Terrific signing if Chelsea get it done.”