Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, with Italian transfer reporter Nicolò Schira reporting that the Blues have moved into the final stages of agreeing terms with the Senegalese international — edging out Liverpool in the process.

Both clubs had been weighing up moves for the 22-year-old, whose performances in Ligue 1 had established him as one of Europe's most coveted young central midfielders. However, while Liverpool hesitated to firm up their interest, Chelsea acted swiftly and decisively to push negotiations over the line.

Chelsea's spending spree powered by Fernandez sale

The Blues are simultaneously pursuing AS Roma's Manu Kone, suggesting major funds are incoming at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea's hierarchy are believed to be anticipating a substantial financial windfall from the sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, and are already reinvesting those projected funds to strengthen their midfield before the Argentine's departure is formally confirmed.

The double pursuit of Camara and Kone signals a clear intent to add physicality and tenacity to Chelsea's engine room ahead of the close of the summer window.

A costly miss for Liverpool

Missing out on Camara compounds an already fragile squad situation at Anfield. Liverpool enter a congested campaign across four competitions with just three recognised first-team central midfielders in Dominik Szoboszlai — who may also be required to cover at right-back — Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister.

Head coach Andoni Iraola's system is notoriously demanding, built on high-energy pressing, vertical passing, and relentless off-the-ball movement. Operating with a thin midfield unit throughout a long, multi-front season presents a genuine challenge for the Spaniard.

The failed pursuit of Camara is also likely to reopen longstanding frustrations among Liverpool supporters, who feel the club has never adequately replaced Fabinho since the Brazilian left three years ago. Temporary solutions and attack-minded midfielders have plugged the gap, but a true defensive anchor — capable of breaking counter-attacks and providing structural balance — has remained elusive.

Camara's blend of athleticism and combativeness would have made him a compelling answer to that problem. Instead, Chelsea appear to have beaten Liverpool to one of the window's most sought-after targets.