FootballTransfers, citing Fabrizio Romano, reported that Chelsea are no longer involved in a move for AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and are instead likely to pursue Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.
Camara deal falls through
FootballTransfers reported that Chelsea were on the verge of signing Camara in a €55 million deal on Deadline Day. FootballTransfers also reported that Monaco pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute under the assumption that they would sell Folarin Balogun to Everton instead, which ultimately did not happen.
Romano said: "Chelsea were furious."
Romano also said: "The situation became very tense. Since that moment, Chelsea have disappeared from the Lamine Camara story."
Scott emerges as the alternative
Romano said Chelsea are likely to pursue Scott instead of Camara. Romano said: "Chelsea are very interested in the player."
Romano also said: "Chelsea have had several contacts with his agents. Chelsea considered Alex Scott their top target in midfield over the summer, and it was not possible to proceed, but Chelsea loved the player. So, Chelsea are still there."
Romano said Chelsea remain in contact with Scott's entourage. He also said Bournemouth could sell Scott in January under the right circumstances, but are not actively putting him on the market.
Yassine claim remains unclear
TEAMtalk claims Chelsea "fully intend" to eventually sign Strasbourg winger Gessime Yassine. FootballTransfers reported that Yassine joined Strasbourg from Dunkerque in January and is attracting Premier League interest.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper coach Christophe Lollichon, now at Dunkerque, said Chelsea had "practically" already signed Yassine.
FootballTransfers reported that it is currently not clear if Yassine will move to West London next year or at a later date.
Other comments linked in the reports
Didi Hamann said he does not see it happening for Florian Wirtz at Liverpool. Hamann said: "I know how talented he is and what he is capable of, but I think he has lost all faith and belief in his abilities."
Hamann also said: "I don't think he believes he can cut it in the Premier League. I don't see it happening for Wirtz at Liverpool."
Former Blues winger Scott Sinclair urged Chelsea youngster Estevao to leave the club on loan. Sinclair said: "In my experience, having been on loan six times during my spell at Chelsea, you just want to be playing for your parent club."
Sinclair also said: "But when you aren’t, you have to go out on loan to gain experience and game time. The longer you go without playing, the less match-fit you become, which makes it even harder to get into the side when an opportunity arises and that leads to doubt."
FootballTransfers reported that Chelsea would be willing to hand Estevao an improved contract. FootballTransfers also reported that it has been claimed Estevao could look to leave Chelsea if his game time does not increase.