Chelsea miss out on Boubacar Kamara in the summer transfer window
According to French publication L’Equipe via Sport Witness (h/t Football.london), Chelsea failed in an attempt to land Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara in the summer.
The 21-year-old came through the ranks at Marseille and is now an established member of their first-team. Primarily a defensive midfielder, Kamara is also capable of filling in at centre-back.
Kamara has made 16 appearances for the French giants this season. While he is yet to register a goal or an assist, his importance to Andre Villas-Boas outfit cannot be understated.
Had Chelsea had their way, he would have been turning up this season in a darker shade of Blue.
The Blues approached the player’s agent Pini Zahavi regarding a potential transfer. However, both Marseille and Kamara were keen to continue their association and shut the door on a move to Stamford Bridge.
The youngster’s decision to stay and play in the champions league came to an unceremonious end last night. The Ligue-1 side lost 3-0 to Manchester City and was knocked out in the group stages.
However, despite last summer’s setback, all is not lost. Chelsea could land the youngster next summer for £31.5million.
Kamara’s current deal at the Stade Velodrome expires in 2022, meaning time is running out for Marseille to sell him or tie him down to fresh terms. Chelsea for their part have a good relationship with Zahavi and should try to take advantage of it.
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A 21-year-old who can play as a defensive midfielder and a centre-back, Kamara could be considered an alternative to Declan Rice.
He is also financially a much cheaper option given West Ham United’s asking price for the English international.