Marseille’s sporting chief, Javier Ribalta, has shut down persistent talk about Fedor Chalov joining the French club. The denial was relayed by Sport24, leaving little room for doubt about Marseille’s transfer plans for the moment.
Ribalta publicly stated that Chalov is not on Marseille’s radar. The denial came amid growing chatter from French outlets about potential moves ahead of the new season.
Earlier, Le Petit OM had suggested Marseille’s interest in Chalov, signaling that rumors were circulating among fans and journalists about a possible partnership with the CSKA Moscow striker. Chalov, who is 25, has built a path through European football with a mix of domestic and European experiences that have kept teams attentive to his development.
Chalov is a long-time product of the CSKA Moscow system. He entered the senior squad in 2016 as a late substitute in a Russian Cup tie against Enisey, a moment that marked the start of a steady climb through the club’s ranks. During the 2022/23 campaign, he delivered strong numbers for CSKA, recording 24 goals and six assists across all competitions in 41 appearances. His contributions helped CSKA secure a silver finish in the Russian Premier League and lift the Russian Cup, underscoring his role in a successful period for the team.
Meanwhile, the Russian defender turned forward has continued to be part of the club’s lineup as CSKA prepared for key domestic fixtures, including appearances in the country’s Super Cup clashes. The season has seen him feature in several important matches as CSKA navigated a demanding schedule against top-tier rivals.
Interest from other clubs has been a recurring theme in Chalov’s career. Former CSKA player Denis Mashkarin weighed in on rumors about Chalov possibly moving to Galatasaray, adding another layer to the ongoing transfer chatter that tends to follow a player with Chalov’s track record. The discussion around Chalov’s future has persisted amid the normal cycles of player markets and the strategic decisions made by clubs like Marseille in their pursuit of attacking options.
In summary, Chalov remains a notable name in European football circles, recognized for his growth at CSKA Moscow and the potential to impact teams in major leagues. The current stance from Marseille makes clear that, for now, Chalov is not a target for the club as they evaluate their forward options for the coming season. Surface-level rumors are part of the sport’s landscape, but official statements and verified plans guide concrete steps as clubs map out their rosters for the seasons ahead. The ongoing dialogue around Chalov will likely continue to surface whenever top clubs reevaluate their attacking profiles and look for a striker who can contribute with goals and assists at a high level. (attribution: Sport24, Le Petit OM, Denis Mashkarin)