Chelsea strike late transfer deadline day deal with Lamine Camara agreement reached

Chelsea have agreed a late deal to sign Lamine Camara from AS Monaco for £47million, football.london understands.

There was some doubt over whether the Blues could strike a deal for Camara following the agreement for Enzo Fernandez to move to Manchester City. However, Monaco are in need of money and thought they were getting it with Folarin Balogun moving to Everton. The American striker, however, looks set to remain in Ligue 1 after complications appeared during a medical test with the Toffees.

Chelsea then swooped in with Monaco lowering their asking price and the two clubs quickly reached an agreement for a £47m - with a fixed fee - deal. Earlier on in the day, Stamford Bridge insiders said the Blues were not guaranteed to sign anyone before the deadline unless an opportunity presented itself.

READ MORE: Follow our live updates on transfer deadline day as Chelsea explore incomings and outgoings!

This was certainly an opportunity and an unexpected one given Balogun looked set to move to Everton.

Chelsea initially had a £38.5m offer turned down earlier today and also had a second rejected, but Monaco's stance eased due to the Balogun situation.

The Blues briefly considered making a move for AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone but there were suggestions the Italian club were reluctant to sell.

Earlier in the day, Chelsea finally reached an agreement with Manchester City for the sale of Fernandez for a record-breaking £125m. After a summer-long saga, the Blues will receive their record sale with the Argentina international having the chance to reunite with Enzo Maresca.

City saw their opening offer of £104m plus add-ons rejected by Chelsea. The Blues demanded a fee that was guaranteed only and then asked for £135m. City then sent in a new bid of £125m fixed and the west Londoners accepted.

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