Lamine Camara's astonishing stats trigger new Chelsea battle
Chelsea are likely to be forced into a battle if they want to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara next summer.
The Blues came incredibly close to pulling off a deal for the 22-year-old in the summer, agreeing a £47million fee on transfer deadline day after Enzo Fernandez's £125m move to Manchester City had been sanctioned.
The French club were keen to sell just one of Camara or Folarin Balogun, who was of interest to Everton, as they looked to deal with their financial issues.
A deal looked on when the Toffees backed out of their agreement for the striker but they would later return, scuppering Chelsea's hopes of signing the midfielder in the final hours of the window for a player who would ultimately turn them down.
Camara has recovered quickly from the dramatic nature of transfer deadline day, returning to the Monaco team in exceptional form.
Chelsea remain interested in the Senegal international but are no longer alone, with Liverpool reportedly keen to make their own offer.
Monaco make Lamine Camara plan
Chelsea were left furious by Monaco's actions in negotiations for Camara, and it is easy to understand why.
The midfielder had been given permission to undergo a medical in London before the terms agreed between the clubs were subsequently backed out of.
Chelsea were not willing to do the same to scupper Fernandez's move to Man City, and instead were left with a serious lack of depth in midfield.
Xabi Alonso's side have already suffered for it, with injuries to Moises Caicedo and Reece James forcing the Spaniard to deploy even Malo Gusto in the centre of the pitch.
But according to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have not ruled out future negotiations with Monaco. They would hope for more advantageous terms in talks for Camara, but the Ligue 1 side are aware of growing clamour.
Waiting until next summer could spark a "transfer tussle" for the midfielder, and it is undoubtedly in their best interest to turn down any potential January move.
Camara's fine start to the season in stats
Monaco have enjoyed a superb start to the season and are at the top of the table, after winning four of their opening five games.
Camara has been key to that form, offering staggering numbers to back up his midfield presence.
The 22-year-old is currently averaging an astonishing 9.2 recoveries every game - better than any other Ligue 1 midfielder. Just as impressive is the 5.2 tackles he is averaging, and the 2.20 fouls won.
Much like legendary Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante, Camara has the ability to go forward, but his best work comes off the ball.
In true Kante fashion, Camara is averaging 9.2 duels won per game this season so far, better than just three per cent of all Ligue 1 midfielders.