Chelsea’s late attempt to sign midfielder Lamine Camara from Monaco collapsed just before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, leaving the London club frustrated with the breakdown of a £47.1 million deal. The 22-year-old Senegal international had already completed a medical ahead of what would have been a significant reinforcement following Enzo Fernandez’s high-profile transfer to Manchester City earlier that day for a British record £125 million.

Chelsea officials say Monaco initially confirmed the agreement in writing but withdrew from the arrangement after the transfer window closed at 11 p.m. A club source described Monaco’s decision as “extraordinary and deeply unprofessional.” The breakdown is believed to be linked to another late transfer involving striker Folarin Balogun, whose move to Everton also fell through on deadline day.

Reports indicate that Monaco faced pressure to secure major sales this summer and conditioned Camara’s transfer on finalizing the Balogun deal. While a £40 million bid for Balogun to join Everton appeared uncertain earlier Tuesday, a drop in Monaco’s valuation of Camara spurred renewed negotiations. Balogun even underwent a medical with Everton before ultimately withdrawing from the deal. Because Monaco did not sign a deal sheet before the deadline, Chelsea cannot now complete the Camara transfer.

Meanwhile, Everton’s transfer window concluded amid widespread dissatisfaction from fans and observers alike. Manager David Moyes ends the window with a reduced squad and a shortage of striking options. Their sole senior striker is Thierno Barry, who scored eight goals in 41 appearances last season, including a few somewhat fortuitous ones. Barry was not Everton’s top scorer—Jack Grealish led with nine Premier League goals despite having returned to Manchester City.

Grealish’s loan back to Everton was finalized only shortly before the deadline, despite the player expressing enthusiasm for his time at the club. However, no club appeared interested in making the move permanent, as Grealish is set to return to Manchester City when his loan ends. The delay in securing the deal contributed to a frenetic final day for Everton officials, distracting from their efforts to sign a striker.

Balogun’s decision to call off his move to Everton amid the chaotic deadline day activity highlighted the club’s struggles to strengthen the frontline. Everton had sold striker Beto to Fiorentina during the window, leaving them reliant on Barry as their main attacking option—a limitation many have criticized.

The club also agreed to sell Senegal midfielder Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for £65 million, a lucrative deal for the player with three years remaining on his contract. Additionally, Everton halted a proposed £35 million transfer of 19-year-old local prospect Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest following fan backlash. The situation has intensified scrutiny of the club’s transfer operations under owner Friedkin Group, CEO Angus Kinnear, and recruiting staff.

In an effort to find attacking reinforcements, Everton reportedly approached Manchester United about striker Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa about Tammy Abraham, but no deals materialized. The window’s chaotic conclusion has placed Moyes in a vulnerable position, with any future setbacks likely to be attributed to the club’s management rather than the manager himself. Everton’s early season results—including a home win over Crystal Palace and a draw against Bournemouth—offered hope, but the lack of transfer activity threatens their squad depth going forward.