Online Reporter
CHELSEA are raging having seen a deadline day deal for Senegalese talent Lamine Camara COLLAPSE at the eleventh hour.
The Blues needed midfield reinforcements after selling Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City. The club had been pursuing Camara throughout the window.
But the Blues were shut down as Monaco resolved not to allow another big star to leave after the departure of Maghnes Akliouche to Paris Saint-Germain, and the imminent sale of Folarin Balogun to Everton.
News broke on deadline day that Balogun’s move to the Toffees had broken down after the USA World Cup star failed his medical.
That looked to have opened the door to Chelsea signing Camara.
The Blues exchanged paperwork with the French club for the Senegal international and had also agreed a six-year deal with Camara.
However, Everton then REVIVED the deal for Balogun, leading to Monaco insisting Camara was going nowhere.
The sides hammered out a deal worth £47million for the Senegalese talent – but Chelsea were left empty handed, and fuming at how events unfolded.
Senior figures at Chelsea are thought to have been left astounded with what has been described as deeply unprofessional conduct from the Ligue 1 side.
At age 22, Camara already boasts 55 senior league appearances for Monaco, and another 35 for fellow French outfit Metz.
He has also made 49 caps for the Senegal national team, and featured in their colours at the World Cup and Afcon.
And to rub more salt into the wound, Balogun’s move to Everton ultimately fell through anyway as the striker pulled the plug over an hour AFTER the 11pm deadline.
Chelsea have explored multiple options to replace Fernandez this summer. Bids have been rejected by Bournemouth for England man Alex Scott.
A tentative enquiry was made to Arsenal over a shock deal for Martin Zubimendi, though that was quickly knocked back.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone were also both considered. –Sun
