Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara will remain at Monaco after his proposed £47.1 million move to Chelsea collapsed shortly after the transfer deadline.
The 22-year-old had already completed his medical and agreed personal terms with Chelsea, who had also reached an agreement with Monaco over the transfer fee.
Chelsea had reportedly made two earlier bids for Camara before Monaco reduced their asking price late in the window. The Blues were looking to strengthen their midfield, particularly with Enzo Fernandez on the verge of completing a £125 million move to Manchester City.
However, Chelsea were informed in writing by Monaco that the Camara deal would not go ahead. The reason was not immediately disclosed.
The collapse is believed to be linked to Folarin Balogun’s proposed transfer from Manchester United to Everton. Monaco reportedly preferred to raise funds by allowing Balogun to leave rather than selling Camara.
When uncertainty surrounded Balogun’s move, Monaco appeared more willing to lower Camara’s asking price, giving Chelsea hope of completing the deal. But once the striker’s transfer appeared to be back on track, Monaco reportedly became less inclined to sell the Senegal international.
Chelsea were said to be furious and dumbfounded by the late development, having believed the Camara transfer was effectively completed after the medical, fee agreement and personal terms had all been settled.
Despite missing out on Camara, Chelsea have been very active in the transfer window. Their major additions include Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Emiliano Martinez, Emmanuel Emegha, Danny Welbeck, Geovany Quenda and Jordan Henderson, among others.
The London club have also made a strong start to the season, winning their opening three matches and advancing in the Carabao Cup.
For Camara, however, the dramatic deadline-day collapse means he will continue his career with Monaco.
