Chelsea not signing Lamine Camara makes decision to reject Liverpool approach a smart one

However, Monaco believed they were set to receive money from Everton for Folarin Balogun so cancelled the transfer, only for that move to fall through after the window had slammed shut.

With Enzo Fernandez gone and Lamine Camara staying at Monaco, who should partner Moises Caicedo in midfield this season?

Chelsea’s decision to reject Liverpool bid for Malo Gusto vindicated

Chelsea had already turned down a move on deadline day from Liverpool for Malo Gusto, with the Reds looking for a loan to try and sort out their ongoing struggles in the right-back position.

The Blues said no despite having plenty of right-back options on paper, although one of those in Reece James is now set for a major position change instead under Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea’s midfield options look scarce going into this season, meaning the skipper will need to be used there on a regular basis alongside either Moises Caicedo or Romeo Lavia.

With Marco Palestra still struggling with an injury problem, Gusto looks set to be a regular in the Chelsea side for the foreseeable future, making it a very intelligent decision to keep hold of him.

Gusto set to play crucial role under Xabi Alonso

The Blues were said to be open to a permanent sale of the Frenchman, but only for the £75m price tag which they set on his head.

Alonso is the latest in a growing line of Chelsea managers who have continued to utilise Gusto as a regular in the first team squad, after Liam Rosenior, Enzo Maresca and Mauricio Pochettino before him.

Initially signed as cover for James at right-back, the France international has made that position his own in the years since joining.

This look set to continue, as the Blues refused to fall into the trap of parting ways despite Liverpool coming calling in the final stages of the transfer window.