Chelsea have accused Monaco of acting “unprofessional” after their deadline-day pursuit of midfielder Lamine Camara fell apart, even though the Senegal international had already undergone a medical in France.
The 22-year-old had been lined up for a £47.1 million switch to Stamford Bridge, but Monaco later informed Chelsea in writing that the deal would not go ahead, delivering the message shortly after the 23:00 BST transfer deadline had passed.
Chelsea had moved for Camara after sanctioning Enzo Fernandez’s £125m transfer to Manchester City, with the Monaco midfielder viewed as the player to fill the gap left in their midfield.
Chelsea left frustrated by Monaco
The Blues had previously seen two offers rejected for Camara before Monaco appeared to soften their stance and show a willingness to enter serious negotiations.
Chelsea believed a transfer agreement had finally been struck after Monaco lowered their asking price, a shift that came amid fresh uncertainty surrounding Folarin Balogun’s proposed move to Everton.
Camara subsequently underwent his medical in France on Tuesday evening, increasing Chelsea’s confidence that the move would be completed.
However, the London club were later informed that Monaco would not sanction the transfer.
Chelsea sources reportedly described the situation as “unprofessional”, while the French club did not provide an explanation for its decision.
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Balogun deal linked to collapse
Sources familiar with the situation believe Monaco’s change of position was connected to Balogun’s transfer to Everton.
Monaco had been keen to sell the United States striker during the summer and were reportedly looking for a significant departure from their squad.
Balogun’s potential move to Everton had appeared uncertain, prompting Monaco to lower their valuation of Camara and allowing Chelsea to make progress.
The midfielder had featured in Monaco’s 2-0 victory over Marseille on Sunday, while Balogun was not included in the squad.
Once Everton’s move for Balogun appeared to regain momentum, however, Monaco seemingly reconsidered Camara’s departure.
Chelsea are now left without the midfielder they had targeted to replace Fernandez, who has completed his record-equalling transfer to Manchester City.
Camara, who joined Monaco from Metz in 2024, will remain with the Ligue 1 club after the dramatic collapse of his proposed move to Stamford Bridge.