Former Chelsea midfielder Denis Zakaria revealed he encouraged Lamine Camara to turn down a transfer to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window. Camara had become one of Chelsea’s top midfield targets as the deadline approached, with the club looking for a high-quality replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who had been sold to Barcelona. Chelsea had already signed ten first-team players during the summer transfer window, including Morgan Rogers in a £117 million deal. However, despite reaching an agreement to sign Camara from Monaco, the deal collapsed at the last minute, leaving Xabi Alonso, the club’s technical director, disappointed. Camara ultimately decided to stay at Monaco for another season. He has appeared in all five of the club’s opening league matches this season, helping Monaco sit at the top of Ligue 1. Additionally, he has played every minute of Monaco’s first two Europa Conference League fixtures and scored in their 3-2 victory over Gornik Zabrze. After Monaco’s recent 3-2 win over Lens, Zakaria, who had a loan spell at Chelsea, praised Camara, saying the failed transfer had given him more strength and resilience. According to transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea have not given up on signing Camara and are expected to make another attempt when the January transfer window opens. They are not the only club interested in the Senegalese midfielder, as Liverpool is also expected to enter the race for his signature. Di Marzio noted that Liverpool’s interest may depend on the contract situation of Alexis Mac Allister, as the club might look to bring in a similar type of player before the summer transfer window. Camara’s future remains uncertain as both Chelsea and Liverpool are likely to pursue him in the coming months. His performances at Monaco have only increased his value, and the situation could become more competitive as January approaches. For now, Camara continues to play a key role for his club, showing that the failed transfer has not affected his form or determination on the pitch.