Folarin Balogun’s £40m Everton move collapse sees Chelsea capitalise as they resurrect deal

Folarin Balogun’s expected failed move to Everton has opened the door for Monaco teammate Lamine Camara to join Chelsea.

The west London club have agreed a deal to sign Camara for a fixed €55million (£47m).

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The combative midfielder has signed a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge with the option of an additional 12 months.

It is understood that the deal was personally driven by Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali.

In a frantic end to deadline day, the Camara deal was looking all but off but doubts over Balogun’s move to Everton left Monaco sweating over a much-needed sale.

Chelsea quickly took advantage of Monaco precarious position and swooped in to bolster their midfield ahead of Enzo Fernandez’s move to Manchester City.

USA international Balogun, appeared primed to complete a deadline day switch to the Toffees but an issue spotted at his medical threw the deal into jeopardy.

The Ligue 1 leaders’ deadline day plans were plunged into chaos with Monaco needing to sell players to balance the books.

The Balogun sale could still happen but Monaco could be forced to do it for less than the £40m agreed.

Camara has attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool, with the Blues having led the race to sign the Senegal international this summer.

David Moyes’ side have been in the market for a new presence up top, with Beto joining Italian club Fiorentina.

And Balogun was eyed as the ideal candidate, especially given his previous experience of English football.

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Balogun’s Arsenal career

Balogun came through Arsenal’s famed academy and went on to make ten first team appearances for the club, including two in the Premier League.

However, it wasn’t until the 2022/23 campaign when Balogun truly broke out as he scored 22 goals while on loan at French outfit Reims.

Balogun’s haul prompted Monaco to sign him for an initial £25.7million in August 2023.

The ex-Gunners prodigy has since netted 31 goals in 91 appearances across all competitions for Monaco and was named their Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign.

Folarin Balogun became a lightning rod for controversy at the World Cup

Balogun also found himself at the centre of a political storm during this summer’s World Cup.

He was sent off for the United States during their Round of 32 contest against Bosnia, which the co-hosts won 2-0.

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The red card meant Balogun picked up a one-match suspension, which ruled him out of the USMNT’s Round of 16 clash with Belgium.

However, Balogun’s ban was controversially overturned following intervention from United States president Donald Trump.

Balogun’s return ultimately mattered little as Belgium romped to a 4-1 win.