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Add to Preferred Sources<\/span> <\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nThere has been plenty of talk about whether Chelsea would return to the negotiating table for Monaco star Lamine Camara. Now, Ben Jacobs has explained what it would take for Chelsea to go back in.<\/strong><\/p>\n Chelsea<\/a> were inches away from completing a \u00a347m deal for Camara<\/a> on deadline day. Having sold Enzo Fernandez to Man City, Chelsea pushed forward with a move for Monaco\u2019s Senegalese midfield maestro.<\/p>\n It was on, then it was off, then it was back on again. Monaco needed a sale, and while they preferred to cash in on Folarin Balogun, they were prepared to sell Camara<\/a> if Balogun decided against joining Everton.<\/p>\n With Balogun\u2019s move to Everton back on, Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro pulled the plug halfway through Camara\u2019s Chelsea medical<\/a>. Typically, Balogun then turned down a move to the Hill Dickinson.<\/p>\n Reports after the window ended suggested Chelsea\u2019s relationship with Monaco was so strained that reigniting a move for Camara was out of the question. But that stance has since softened in the media.<\/a><\/p>\n Now, Ben Jacobs has the latest. Speaking to the CFC Hub<\/a>, transfer expert Jacobs explained that the Blues could go back in for Camara, but it would have to be at the discounted price on offer in the summer.<\/p>\n Monaco now want \u00a360m [\u20ac70m] for Camara, having previously agreed to sell Camara for \u00a347m [\u20ac55m]. He explains that Monaco could wait for a bidding war, with Liverpool and even Bayern Munich interested.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, Monaco sources tell me they want \u20ac70m for Camara \u2013 which was always their sort of ballpark [figure], but it came down to \u20ac55m [in the summer and on deadline day] because they needed to sell. <\/p>\n \u201cBalogun was on, then off, then on, then off. It\u2019s not just about wanting the player. It\u2019s about principle: are Monaco going to give them a better deal \u2013 January or the summer \u2013 than the \u20ac55m they agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhereas, Monaco are saying that if they can bring in other money, the \u20ac55m was already a discount and we\u2019re putting it back up to \u20ac70m. Liverpool have been linked with Camara; I heard Bayern the other day. <\/p>\n \u201cThey might be prepared to enter the race. If that number goes above \u20ac55m, Chelsea are unlikely to be there \u2013 just because of the relationship with Monaco,\u201d Jacobs explains, sharing the stance on Camara.<\/p>\n The question Chelsea\u2019s transfer team \u2013 minus the departing Laurence Stewart \u2013 must now ask is, can they get an alternative as good as Camara for \u00a360m? The answer is probably no. Camara is rated very highly.<\/p>\n Filipe Luis thinks he\u2019s one of the best in the world<\/a>. Certainly, this season, Camara has gone up a level under the guidance of the former Chelsea left-back. Monaco currently sit top of Ligue 1 at this stage.<\/p>\n That in itself may see Camara reject moves until next summer. Alternatives to Camara \u2013 like Alex Scott, Adam Wharton and others \u2013 will cost more than \u00a360m. Roma now want a huge \u00a386m for Manu Kone<\/a>.<\/p>\n If Chelsea are given the chance to get Camara for \u00a360m, then they should bite the bullet, put aside their frustration of the summer and do a deal. Because they will struggle to get better value for money.<\/p>\nChelsea frustrated with Scuro but could still sign Camara<\/h2>\n
Alex Scott and Lamine Camara are both exceptional talents, but who would improve Chelsea more and why?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\nShould Chelsea just pay the extra \u00a313m and be done with it?<\/h2>\n