Chelsea plan £20m Fyodor Chalov transfer as Frank Lampard targets striker deal – EXCLUSIVE

Chelsea are plotting a £20million January move for CSKA Moscow striker Fyodor Chalov. Manager Frank Lampard has told the Stamford Bridge board that a striker is one of his priorities for the winter window as he attempts to bolter his young side.

Chelsea have also made enquiries with RB Leipzig for Germany striker Timo Werner, as was revealed in Express Sport last month, and have offered Olivier Giroud plus cash for Lyon forward Moussa Dembele.

However, both of those players are unlikely to be allowed to leave by their clubs in January and it is understood Chelsea are lining up Chalov as a back-up option.

The 21-year-old scored 15 goals last year for CSKA, a club Chelsea have a good relationship with, and this year he has netted six so far.

Chelsea are looking for back up for top scorer Tammy Abraham in January, and Chalov would provide a quick fix for Lampard as he seeks to secure a top-four finish.

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They could then return for Werner or Dembele in the summer, with Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho also on their radar to bolster their attack.

Crystal Palace attempted to sign Chalov over the summer, with his agent, Christian Emile, explaining: “Fedor is one of the most striking players in Europe, and the increased interest in him is completely justified.

“Especially from the side of one Premier League club, which made a significant offer, but CSKA refused to sell the player.

“The position of CSKA is completely understandable – they have serious goals, and Fedor is the most important player for them. We will follow the development of events and are sure that in any case has a great future.”

As well as Giroud leaving, with West Ham, Crystal Palace and Juventus are also interested in the France striker, Spanish forward Pedro could also be on his way.

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MLS clubs Inter Miami and New York City have both made offers for the 32-year-old, whose contract runs out at the end of this season.

Express Sport understands that, as well as courting Giroud, former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is keen on reuniting with Emerson Palmieri at the Allianz Stadium.

Lampard has chopped and changed between Emerson, Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back this season and has set his sights on a long-term solution.

With Leicester flying high, though, Brendan Rodgers will be unwilling to entertain any offers for Lampard’s prime target Ben Chilwell.

Nathan Ake – who Chelsea can re-sign from Bournemouth for £40m in January – is another option but he is now better established as a centre-back.

source: express.co.uk