Chelsea have reportedly ended their pursuit of AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, with Bournemouth star Alex Scott now emerging as their priority target ahead of the January transfer window.

The Blues came close to securing the Senegal international’s signature during the summer transfer window but saw the proposed move collapse at the last minute despite reaching an agreement with Monaco.

According to Football365, citing transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Chelsea have now decided against reviving their interest in Camara as they turn their attention to alternative midfield targets.

Chelsea Saw Camara As Enzo’s Ideal Replacement

The London club had identified Camara as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who completed a £125 million move to Manchester City on transfer deadline day.

Chelsea were initially reluctant to sanction Fernandez’s departure without securing a replacement but eventually allowed the Argentine to leave after making significant progress in negotiations for Camara.

However, Monaco withdrew from the proposed transfer after deciding they only wanted to lose one key player during the window.

The French club had also been negotiating the departure of striker Folarin Balogun, whose proposed transfer ultimately failed to materialise.

The development left Chelsea without their intended midfield reinforcement, although Camara continued to attract interest from other Premier League clubs, including Liverpool.

Transfer Journalist Reveals Chelsea’s Shift In Attention From Camara

Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke revealed that Chelsea have shifted their attention away from the 22-year-old.

“Camara was very close to joining Chelsea in the summer transfer window before that collapsed at the eleventh hour.

“It remains to be seen if Chelsea would renew their interest in Camara, but I think they are looking at other targets instead and have moved on from that deal.

“Alex Scott, right now, is ahead of Camara on Chelsea’s list of targets for the January transfer window, that’s a deal they would like to finally get over the line.”

Scott has emerged as an attractive option for the Blues following his performances for Bournemouth, although they could face competition from Liverpool for his signature.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s decision to move on from Camara could strengthen Liverpool’s chances of signing the Monaco midfielder.

The Reds were linked with the Senegal international during the summer but prioritised strengthening other areas of their squad.

With Chelsea now reportedly concentrating on Scott, Liverpool could have a clearer opportunity to pursue Camara when the transfer window reopens.

However, any potential deal would still depend on Monaco’s willingness to negotiate after their decision to retain the midfielder during the previous window.