Monaco have pulled out of an agreement to sell midfielder Lamine Camara to Chelsea for £47 million, leaving the Premier League club furious over what they described as an extraordinary and unprofessional move.
Camara was expected to join Chelsea on a six-year contract, subject to a medical, after the Blues agreed a club-to-club deal with Monaco.
However, shortly after the 11pm transfer deadline, Monaco informed Chelsea in writing that they were withdrawing from the agreement.
The French club reportedly decided to sell only one player this window after renegotiating a deal to transfer striker Folarin Balogun to Everton. That move subsequently collapsed, but Monaco had already pulled out of the Camara agreement.
Monaco also refused to sign a deal sheet for Camara before the deadline, leaving Chelsea with no opportunity to revive the transfer.
The collapse came after Chelsea had agreed to sell Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for £125 million, a joint-British record fee, and had identified Camara as his replacement.
Chelsea could have attempted to block Fernandez’s move to City following the breakdown of the Camara deal but chose to honour their commitment and complete the transfer.
Roma midfielder Manu Kone was also considered by Chelsea, while the club explored other midfield options in the Premier League.
Chelsea are understood to be unhappy with Monaco’s conduct, having believed the Camara transfer was fully agreed and documented, with the Senegal international expected to travel to London for his medical.
Meanwhile, Chelsea completed several other moves before the deadline.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez joined Serie A side Como on a season-long loan after falling down the pecking order following the arrival of Emi Martinez from Aston Villa.
Midfielder Dario Essugo moved to Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg on loan, while striker Deivid Washington completed a permanent transfer to the French club. Washington joined Chelsea from Santos for £17.1 million three years ago but made only three appearances for the Blues.
Forward Dujuan Richards also joined AFC Wimbledon on a season-long loan.
Chelsea striker Shim Mheuka has arrived in Glasgow ahead of a loan move to Celtic, who are also working to complete a deal for Chelsea left-back Landon Emenalo.
