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, 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 pic.twitter.com/xJCm7ethoy
— ChelseaReport (@chelsreport_) August 31, 2026
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.
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, 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.
For now, though, Chelsea’s priorities have changed significantly.
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