Chelsea were confident of signing Lamine Camara on transfer deadline day but things took a new turn when Monaco decided to move in a new direction.
A £47million deal had been agreed for the Senegalese midfielder to move to Stamford Bridge on a six-year contract just before the transfer window’s 11pm deadline.
However, a late twist saw the Ligue 1 side pull out of the deal, with Chelsea missing out on Camara’s signature, as well as a direct replacement for the departed Enzo Fernandez.
According to multiple report, Premier League rivals Liverpool are understood to have had an impact on proceedings.
Lamine CAMARA was on the verge of joining Chelsea. (Photo by Ewen Gavet/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
TalkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs reports that the Reds instructed Camara to wait, suggesting a move for the 22-year-old could be forthcoming next summer.
Report also claim Liverpool did not directly interfere with the negotiations between Chelsea and Monaco.
A Blues source who spoke with talkSPORT vent out the club’s frustration, saying: “Monaco have acted in a deeply unprofessional away.”
With Camara expected to stay for another season, Monaco are now looking for an increased £60m transfer fee to part with their star midfielder.
Aside Camara, Chelsea were also linked with Roma’s Manu Kone, but the Serie A side’s manager Gian Piero Gasperini blocked the Frenchman from switching sides.
