Why Chelsea signing Fedor Chalov would be a smart move

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea are interested in Russian striker Fedor Chalov, who plies his trade with CSKA Moscow.

The Blues are monitoring the youngster and would make a move for Chalov if their ban is uplifted in January. Chelsea will know in mid-December if their appeal against UEFA’s punishment is successful.

The report also suggests that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is a fan of his fellow countryman and that the Blues would make a move in the January transfer window if their ban is overturned.

Chalov came through the ranks of CSKA Moscow’s youth team and was promoted to the first-team mid-way through the 2016/17 season. In his three years with the senior team, the striker has scored 35 times and provided 19 assists.

He has been in sublime form this season, already accounting to 5 goals and 4 assists in 16 Premier Liga matches this term. His performances earned him a place in Stanislav Cherchesov’s Russian squad for the Euro qualifiers in March.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are soaring high up the table at 4th position despite having a bad start to the season. Their transfer ban has made it difficult for manager Frank Lampard to field an experienced team, thus making him start with youngsters, who have done well so far.

The Blues boss has only 3 three strikers – Tammy Abraham, Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi, at his disposal. While Giroud is at the twilight of his career, Batshuayi has been inconsistent and as a result, youngster Tammy Abraham has been given the nod ahead of the two.

At 22, Tammy has played in almost every possible game and has done exceptionally well with 10 goals so far. But the worrying point would be if the Englishman is unavailable. Therefore, Chalov can be a useful addition to the squad.

The 21-year-old Russian would be capable of playing alongside the likes of other youngsters in Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, and Callum Hudson-Odoi in demanding situations. Therefore, Chelsea must be able to lure him to Stamford Bridge.

Lampard has shown a winning mentality with the young guns and Chalov would add firepower to the attacking ranks. A natural centre-forward, he is also capable of fitting in well as a second-striker for his team and Lampard would have a good back-up in Chalov.

In the Russian Premier Liga, Chalov has registered 3.1 shots, 1.3 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game this season, according to Whoscored. His numbers are proof of him developing into a decent striker, and coming to England would be a great stride in taking his game to the next level.

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Verdict

Chalov would not just be a back-up but if he decides to move in the right direction under Lampard’s watch. He can be seen as a future prospect for the club and can flourish alongside Tammy Abraham in leading their attack.

In order to secure the services of the Russian, Chelsea must act quickly as Crystal Palace have also been monitoring Chalov.