Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara says he has put the failed Chelsea move firmly behind him and is fully focused on Monaco's Ligue 1 campaign, after a £47.1 million transfer collapsed in the final hours of the summer window.

The 22-year-old had undergone a medical — clearing one of the final hurdles in the process — before the deal disintegrated shortly before the window shut.

A turbulent end to the window

Chelsea had seen two separate bids rejected before Monaco dropped their asking price. The late-window drama was intertwined with the situation surrounding Folarin Balogun, whose move to Everton briefly appeared in doubt. When Balogun's transfer seemed to stabilise, Monaco reversed course on Camara, and ultimately both players remained at the Ligue 1 club.

Sources in France had indicated Monaco required a significant sale this summer and had preferred to move on Balogun first. A source at the club had earlier made clear it would take a "substantial fee" to prise Camara away.

Camara's response

Speaking ahead of Monaco's weekend fixture against Strasbourg, the Senegal international was measured and forward-looking.

"There was a possibility I could leave. It didn't go through at the last minute and that's part of football. I've turned the page and am focusing on the season," Camara said.

He added that he remained confident in his ability to contribute, and left the door open for future opportunities without losing sight of the present.

"I can help the team a lot. Football moves fast. Maybe other opportunities will come along. But for now, I'm staying focused on the season with Monaco," he said.

Monaco head into the weekend in strong form, having won their opening three Ligue 1 matches of the season. They sat second in the table, one place behind Rennes, but with a game in hand over the leaders.