Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Chelsea Pursue Koné and Camara as Fernández Exit Looms
Chelsea are trying to change their midfield on deadline day.
They are discussing a deal to buy Manu Koné from Roma.
One report says the deal could cost about £52 million, but Roma’s manager says there has been no formal offer and that the club does not want to sell him.
Chelsea are also trying to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco.
Monaco rejected Chelsea’s first offer but talks are still open.
At the same time, Enzo Fernández may move from Chelsea to Manchester City for about £120 million.
Chelsea reportedly want a new midfielder before allowing Fernández to leave.
Roma also want Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens on loan, but that arrangement has not been agreed.
Chelsea are discussing a reported £52 million deal for Roma midfielder Manu Koné.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini said the club had received no formal offer and did not want to sell Koné.
Chelsea have also made a reported €45 million (£38.5 million) offer for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, which Monaco rejected as too low.
Enzo Fernández is in talks over a possible move to Manchester City for a fee in the region of £120 million.
Roma are seeking a loan move for Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens, but no formal swap or agreement has been confirmed.
- Who
- Chelsea, Manu Koné, Roma, Lamine Camara, Monaco, Enzo Fernández, Manchester City and Jamie Gittens.
- What
- Chelsea are pursuing Koné and Camara as possible midfield replacements while Fernández discusses a potential move to Manchester City.
- When
- The negotiations are taking place on deadline day, with the Premier League transfer window due to close at 11 PM BST on Tuesday.
- Where
- The talks involve Chelsea, Roma, Monaco and Manchester City.
- Why
- Chelsea want a midfield replacement available before approving a possible Fernández transfer.
Reported Transfer Push
Club Resistance and Uncertainty
Manu Koné's availability
Reported Transfer Push
Chelsea are reportedly close to a £52 million agreement with Roma and view Koné as a direct replacement for Fernández.
Club Resistance and Uncertainty
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini said the reports were a media story, that he knew nothing about it, and that the owners did not want to sell Koné.
Chelsea's replacement plan
Reported Transfer Push
Chelsea are pursuing both Koné and Lamine Camara so Fernández can leave only after another midfielder is lined up.
Club Resistance and Uncertainty
Neither midfield deal is confirmed: Roma deny receiving a formal Koné offer, while Monaco rejected Chelsea's initial Camara bid.
Jamie Gittens loan
Reported Transfer Push
Roma are advancing on a loan move for Gittens as part of the wider negotiations.
Club Resistance and Uncertainty
Chelsea have previously rejected similar proposals and may not want to weaken their attack; no formal swap has been confirmed.
- Reported Koné fee
- £52 million
- Camara offer
- €45 million, reported as £38.5 million; Monaco rejected it as too low
- Potential Fernández fee
- Manchester City are discussing a fee in the region of £120 million
- Koné deal status
- One report described Chelsea as close to a deal; Roma's manager said no formal offer had been received
- Fernández status
- Talks with Manchester City are continuing, and personal terms are understood to be agreed
- Gittens proposal
- Roma are seeking to take Jamie Gittens on loan from Chelsea
- Deadline
- The Premier League window closes at 11 PM BST on Tuesday
