AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has opened up on his failed move to Chelsea on transfer deadline day.
Lamine Camara insists he has “turned the page” on his failed deadline-day move to Chelsea after AS Monaco dramatically pulled the plug on a £47 million transfer.
The Senegal international had completed a medical and Chelsea had verbally agreed a deal with Monaco in the final hours of the summer transfer window. However, the Ligue 1 club reversed their decision at the last moment, leaving the Blues furious.
“There was a possibility I could leave,” Camara told French media via Sky Sports, before adding, “It didn’t go through at the last minute and that’s part of football. I’ve turned the page and am focusing on the season.”
The 22-year-old has now returned his attention to Monaco and played in their 1-1 draw against Strasbourg on Saturday. Strasbourg are owned by Chelsea’s parent company BlueCo, making the fixture an unusual reunion after the failed transfer. Camara was also keen to make clear that he remains committed to Monaco despite the disappointment.
“I can help the team a lot. Football moves fast. Maybe other opportunities will come along. But for now, I’m staying focused on the season with Monaco.”
Chelsea had viewed Camara as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who ended up joining Manchester City for a joint-British record £125 million on deadline day.
Why did Camara’s move to Chelsea collapse?
The Blues completed their part of the deal with AS Monaco, but the Ligue 1 club’s willingness to sell was reportedly linked to their need to generate significant income before the deadline.
Monaco were not willing to lower their demands for Camara, as Folarin Balogun’s proposed £40 million move to Everton would have been enough to balance their books. However, with the transfer looking uncertain, the French club opened the door for the 22-year-old midfielder to leave.
Balogun underwent a medical at Everton, which may have played a part in Monaco’s decision to block Camara’s exit. However, the USMNT international ultimately stayed at the club after doubts emerged over his medical condition.
The failure to sign Camara has left Chelsea short of midfield options early in the campaign. Moises Caicedo has yet to start a match while recovering from a calf injury, while the West London club ended their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal with Reece James and Malo Gusto both playing in central midfield. The emergency move highlighted the lack of depth in Chelsea’s midfield.
Camara, meanwhile, has made six appearances in all competitions this season and scored once. Monaco have started impressively under Filipe Luis, sitting second in Ligue 1. For now, he has moved on and is focused on Monaco.
