Chelsea could have another chance to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara when the January transfer window opens.
According to the Evening Standard on Friday, September 18, 2026, Chelsea remain interested in the Senegal international after their proposed summer move for the midfielder fell through at the final stage.
Camara was reportedly close to joining the Blues during the summer, with Chelsea understood to have reached an agreement worth around £47 million with Monaco. The midfielder was also expected to sign a six-year contract, with an option to extend it for another year.
However, the deal collapsed unexpectedly after Monaco decided to keep hold of Camara.
Despite the failed move, Chelsea have not completely abandoned their interest. Liverpool have also been linked with the 22-year-old, meaning there could be competition if Monaco decide to listen to offers in January.
Much could depend on Monaco’s plans for the winter transfer window.
Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro recently revealed that the club wants to find a solution for former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun in January. The French side reportedly believe that finding a buyer for Balogun would give them more financial flexibility to keep both Camara and Aleksandr Golovin until the end of the season.
Scuro made it clear that selling Balogun is Monaco’s preferred option, although he admitted that the club cannot predict everything that could happen once the January window opens.
That leaves the door open for Camara’s situation to change.
If Monaco fail to complete their plans and receive a significant offer for the midfielder, they could be forced to reconsider their position. Chelsea, having already shown how serious they were about signing Camara in the summer, could then return to the negotiating table.
Camara has also spoken about the failed move to Stamford Bridge.
The Senegal midfielder explained that he had been given the opportunity to leave Monaco, but the transfer ultimately did not go through. He described the situation as part of football and said he had moved on from the disappointment.
For now, Camara remains focused on his responsibilities at Monaco and is determined to help the club during the season.
However, his comments also suggest that he has not completely ruled out a move in the future. With the January window approaching, another opportunity could potentially arise if Chelsea or another interested club makes a fresh approach.
Chelsea’s previous agreement with Monaco could give them an advantage if negotiations restart, but the situation surrounding Balogun and Monaco’s financial plans could ultimately determine whether Camara is available.
For now, the Senegal international remains a Monaco player, but Chelsea’s interest could be one to watch closely when the January transfer window opens.
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