Chelsea close to signing Wijnaldum after losing Camara to Monaco

PARIS, France — LONDON — Chelsea have opened talks with Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum after missing out on a deal for Lamine Camara, according to British media reports. The 35-year-old is a free agent following his departure from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, a status that drew Chelsea to pursue the transfer. Negotiations between the club and Wijnaldum have advanced and a deal could be finalized in the coming days, the reports said. Wijnaldum previously played for Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Roma. Chelsea had reached an agreement with Monaco for Camara, but the French club pulled out of the move late in the process. The pivot to Wijnaldum came after Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández moved to Manchester City.