Chelsea want Russian striker to compete with Tammy Abraham

Chelsea are reportedly planning to make a move for Russian striker Fedor Chalov as they aim to add competition to Tammy Abraham for the centre-forward role.

Abraham has fared impressively this season with 14 goals in all competitions but there have been a number of games, where he has been ineffective upfront.

RB Leipzig's Timo Werner has been linked with the club in recent weeks but ESPN claims that Chalov from CSKA Moscow is regarded as a more realistic option for the transfer window.

The 21-year-old has contributed just six goals and two assists for CSKA this term but there is the feeling within the Blues camp that he would prove a success in the Premier League.

Should a deal be finalised, Chalov would directly compete with Abraham and Michy Batshuayi for the striker's position, given Olivier Giroud is expected to lead through the exit door this month.

Giroud is apparently worried about his international prospects with France due to the lack of gametime and he is said to be attracting interest from Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan.