According to Mirror, Liverpool are interested in the services of CSKA Moscow striker Fedor Chalov. Jurgen Klopp is keen to sign another centre-forward this summer following the departure of Daniel Sturridge, and Chalov has been identified as the ideal target. However, The Reds are joined by league rivals Arsenal and Manchester United in the pursuit of the Russian international, who is reportedly valued at around £20 million.
Chalov is tipped as the next big thing in Russian football
Chalov began his youth career in the academy of CSKA Moscow, and after solid performances in the youth leagues, he was promoted to the first-team back in January 2017. And he never had to look back since having notably scored six goals during the remainder of the 2016/17 campaign.
He also scored six goals the following season despite being on the pitch for just a little over 1,000 minutes. As a result, the 21-year-old became a first-team regular for CSKA during the 2017/18 campaign.
Chalov repaid that faith, scoring 15 goals and mustering seven assists in 30 league matches. His services in front of goal helped his club achieve a top-four finish in the league. It also earned him his first international call-up back in March, and the youngster is now expected to play a key role for both club and country in the coming years.
What can Chalov bring to the table?
Unlike a traditional centre-forward, who relies on his physique and positioning to score goals for his team, Chalov is a modern counterpart. He has excellent control on the ball and prefers not to play on the shoulders of the last defenders but instead looks to link up with teammates and actively takes part in breaching the opposition defence.
The fact that the Russian international notched up seven assists last season is indicative of his work-rate in the final third. But aside from that, the 21-year-old is blessed with a sheer pace that makes him a genuine threat from counter-attacks while his technical prowess becomes useful when probing the opposition.
Should Liverpool make a move for Chalov?
Chalov could be a cost-effective option in Liverpool’s bid to strengthen the depth in the attacking department this summer. The CSKA Moscow star has already shown a lot of promise with his performances in the Russian league and could provide competition for the injury-prone Roberto Firmino in the number nine role next season.
It remains to be seen whether or not the youngster will be able to integrate to the fast-paced nature of the Premier League. But, if he can, Chalov could be a smart long-term investment for the Reds, especially given he is only 21.
