Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has confirmed a move to Chelsea collapsed late in the transfer window. The 22-year-old Senegalese international said he has now moved on and is concentrating on the season with his Ligue 1 club.
Camara spoke before Monaco's game against Strasbourg on Saturday. "There was a possibility I could leave," he said. "It didn't go through at the last minute and that's part of football."
Deal details and Monaco's stance
The proposed transfer involved a reported fee of £47.1 million. Camara had even completed a medical with Chelsea before the deal fell apart. It is understood Monaco had rejected two earlier bids for the player but lowered their asking price during a turbulent end to the window.
Sources in France indicated Monaco needed a major sale this summer and initially preferred to sell striker Folarin Balogun. When Balogun's own potential move to Everton appeared back on track, Monaco changed their decision regarding Camara. In the end, both players remained with the club. A source at Monaco suggested it would now take a "substantial fee" to secure Camara's departure.
Camara's focus on current campaign
With the window closed, Camara is looking forward. "I can help the team a lot," he said. Monaco have started the season strongly, winning their first three Ligue 1 fixtures and sitting second in the table heading into the weekend. "Football moves fast," Camara added. "Maybe other opportunities will come along. But for now, I'm staying focused on the season with Monaco."
For Chelsea, the pursuit of Camara was part of a busy period. The Blues currently sit fourth in the Premier League with seven points from four games. Their recent form includes a 2-2 draw with Hull City last time out. Mauricio Pochettino's side face a trip to fifth-placed Brentford next. The club's current squad shows several players sidelined, including midfielders Moisés Caicedo and Jordan Henderson.
