Denis Zakaria urged Lamine Camara to snub Chelsea transfer

Monaco midfielder Denis Zakaria has admitted he actively tried to dissuade his teammate Lamine Camara from joining Chelsea. Zakaria, who previously had a loan spell at Stamford Bridge, felt that remaining in the principality was a better career move for the young Senegalese star.

Chelsea? I told him that it was good but that it is better here. I know the player and the person that he is; he is very professional. I think that the transfer saga has given him even more strength. Denis Zakaria

The London club had a £47 million deal agreed for the 22-year-old this summer to replace Enzo Fernandez, but the move collapsed abruptly at the deadline. Despite manager Xabi Alonso's expectations, the transfer fell through, and Camara has since become a central figure in Monaco's impressive start to the season, helping the club sit at the top of Ligue 1.

Camara has moved on from the disappointment and remains focused on his current commitments. However, Chelsea are reportedly planning a fresh approach when the transfer market reopens in January. The Blues view the position as a priority following their midfield overhaul.

Competition for the signature is heating up, with Liverpool now monitoring the situation. The Merseyside club is assessing its midfield options and could challenge Chelsea for the player's services, setting the stage for a potential bidding war this winter.