Fyodor Chalov’s form for Russian powerhouses CSKA Moscow has caught the eye of Premier League survival hopefuls Aston Villa.
Crystal Palace are still harbouring hopes that Fyodor Chalov will end up at Selhurst Park after CSKA Moscow rejected their £23 million bid for the Russia international striker during a frustrating transfer window, as reported by the Standard.
Palace went into the summer with a new centre-forward right top of their wish list. But, after missing out on every single one of their targets, Roy Hodgson is still being forced to rely on the erratic Jordan Ayew, the injury-prone Connor Wickham and a Christian Benteke who looks a shadow of his old, formidable self.
So it should be no real surprise that the Eagles are once again planning to swoop for Chalov, despite seeing a £23 million bid rejected just weeks ago.
The 21-year-old won the Golden Boot in the Russian Premiership last season though it is unlikely that he will retain the trophy, having found the net just four times in 11 games at the start of the 2019/20 campaign.
This dip in form has not put off potential suitors, however, with the Standard claiming that Crystal Palace face a significant challenge to get the deal done.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Dortmund and Sevilla were also linked by The Mirror in July.
“Fyodor is one of the most striking football players in Europe, and the increased interest in him is completely justified. One Premier League club (Crystal Palace), made a significant offer but CSKA refused to sell the player,” Chalov’s agent Christian Emile told Championat recently, claiming that only a bid of £26 million would convince CSKA to sell.
“The position of CSKA is completely understandable – they have serious goals, and Fyodor is the most important player for them.”
£26 million is a lot of money but a new striker at Crystal Palace is absolutely priceless.
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