Chelsea’s attempts to replace Enzo Fernandez have suffered two major blows after Monaco rejected an improved €50million (£43m) bid for Lamine Camara and Roma decided to keep Manu Koné.
The Blues are scrambling to reshape Xabi Alonso‘s midfield after approving Fernandez’s £125m-plus transfer to Manchester City.
Chelsea had identified Camara and Koné as their leading options, but both routes now appear increasingly difficult with the transfer window closing on Tuesday night.
Chelsea see second Lamine Camara bid rejected
Chelsea returned to Monaco with an improved offer for Camara after their opening proposal failed earlier on Tuesday.
ReadChelsea reported that Monaco had rejected Chelsea’s initial €45m (£38.5m) package, although negotiations remained active at that stage.
Chelsea have now increased their offer.
L’Équipe reports that Monaco have rejected a second proposal worth €50m, confirming reporting from RMC Sport.
The development represents a significant setback because Chelsea have already increased their offer once without convincing Monaco to sell.
Camara had re-emerged as a leading target after Chelsea encountered problems in their pursuit of Koné.
That route has now suffered another major blow.
Roma shut down Manu Koné transfer
Koné had previously moved to the front of Chelsea’s midfield shortlist, with ReadChelsea reporting earlier on Tuesday that Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini was determined to keep the France international.
Chelsea subsequently made considerable progress.
Sky Sports reported that a deal worth around £52m was being discussed, while Jamie Gittens potentially moving to Roma on loan formed part of the wider negotiations.
However, the proposed transfer has now collapsed.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Roma ultimately pulled the plug on Koné’s departure after Gasperini strongly opposed losing one of his key midfielders.
Roma had even considered replacements before the move was stopped.
Chelsea therefore face the prospect of losing Fernandez without immediately landing either of their two leading midfield targets.
The Blues have explored alternatives during the closing stages of the window, but time is rapidly running out for Alonso to receive another midfielder.
After banking more than £125m from Fernandez’s move to Manchester City, Chelsea’s biggest challenge of the final hours may now be finding somewhere to spend part of it.
