---
title: "Chelsea make dramatic transfer U-turn as new midfield priority emerges"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/31/chelsea-make-dramatic-transfer-u-turn-as-new-midfield-priority-emerges/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2026-08-31T12:33:01Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T17:58:21Z"
---

# Chelsea make dramatic transfer U-turn as new midfield priority emerges

**Chelsea have reportedly made a major late change to their midfield plans, with Roma star Manu Koné now the club’s priority and the proposed move for Lamine Camara currently off.**

The Blues had spent several days negotiating with Monaco over Camara, with reports even claiming an agreement in principle had been reached.

That position has now changed.

[Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato reports that Chelsea have switched their focus to Koné](https://www.footmercato.net/a7372918907740555552-chelsea-veut-soffrir-manu-kone-pour-remplacer-enzo-fernandez?utm_source=chatgpt.com), with the France international now their preferred midfield target before the window closes.

Aouna also states Chelsea intend to sign **one midfielder**, while the Camara move is currently off.

> 🚨 Chelsea want to sign ONE midfielder before the window closes, with Manu Koné now the club’s PRIORITY target. 🔵\
> \
> The Lamine Camara move is currently OFF. ❌\
> \
> (Santi Aouna)[#CFC](https://x.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/xJCm7ethoy](https://t.co/xJCm7ethoy)
>
> — ChelseaReport (@chelsreport\_) [August 31, 2026](https://x.com/chelsreport_/status/2094397077253976240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Chelsea switch focus to Manu Koné

The development marks a dramatic reversal from Chelsea’s position only hours earlier.

ReadChelsea reported that [Chelsea appeared close to a Lamine Camara deal following claims of a £39m breakthrough](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/31/chelsea-on-brink-of-lamine-camara-deal-after-huge-39m-breakthrough/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

Those claims were later disputed by Fabrizio Romano, and Chelsea now appear to have moved onto Koné instead.

[The Sun reports that Chelsea have already contacted Koné’s representatives](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/40227026/chelsea-contact-manu-kone-replace-enzo-fernandez/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), although no formal offer has yet been submitted to Roma.

The Italian club would prefer to keep the 25-year-old, meaning Chelsea may need to move quickly if they want to complete the transfer.

Koné’s emergence also comes amid continued uncertainty over [Enzo Fernandez’s future after he agreed personal terms with Manchester City](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/30/enzo-fernandez-agrees-man-city-terms-as-chelsea-await-bid/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

For now, though, Chelsea’s priorities have changed significantly.