Deal off: Chelsea label Monaco ‘unprofessional’ after failed Camara talks

Chelsea have tagged Monaco as “unprofessional” after a deadline-day move for midfielder Lamine Camara collapsed despite the Senegal international completing a medical in France.

The 22-year-old was expected to join the Blues for £47.1 million, but Monaco informed Chelsea in writing that the transfer would not proceed shortly after the 23:00 BST deadline.

Chelsea had already approved Enzo Fernandez’s £125m move to Manchester City, with Camara identified as his replacement.

Chelsea left frustrated by Monaco

Chelsea had made two unsuccessful bids for Camara before Monaco appeared willing to negotiate a deal.

The Premier League club believed an agreement had eventually been reached after Monaco reduced their demands when uncertainty emerged over Folarin Balogun’s proposed transfer 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.

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.