Afanasyev has urged the Russian outfit to sign at least two-three players if they are to reach the later stages of UEFA Champions League next season.
Zenit St. Petersburg managed to retain the Russian Premier League title under Luciano Spalletti this season. Consequently, the St. Petersburg club has secured an automatic progression to the UEFA Champion’s League group stage next
season.
The fact that Zenit have failed to progress from the pre quarter-finals of the European tournament after suffering an aggregate 5-4 defeat against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/SL-Benfica-c40542 displeases Arkadi Afanasyev, who believes that the Meshki need to strengthen
up during the upcoming summer transfer window.
The former Torpedo Moscow player has tipped Zenit to sign at least two-three players, if they are to reach the later stages of the continental tournament.
Media reports in Russia suggest that Spalletti, the manager, has requested Gazprom, the St. Petersburg club’s owners, to grant him with sufficient spending spree this summer. If speculations are to be believed, the Italian tactician
is interested in signing Napoli’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Juan-Manuel-Vargas-c19785 respectively.
Zenit are also keeping tabs on their long term target, Dennis Glushakov. The Russian outfit had reportedly failed to land their prime target during January after failing to meet Lokomotiv Moscow’s asking price.
Besides the possible arrivals, the Meshki are also keen to remove the dead wood at Petrovsky stadium. The likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Aleksandr-Bukharov-c4555, Domenico Criscito and Thomas Hubocan are expected departures this summer.
“If we want to play in the Champions League and reach at least the semi-finals, we need to sign two or three top players.”
“If Zenit will continue to strive to play attacking football, it is necessary to strengthen the line of attack, especially since every year the players are getting older. So, they need fresh blood. Zenit need to sign offensive
players not only in attack but also in the midfield.” The Soviet Top League winner was quoted as saying.
Afanasyev went on to reveal that Zenit need to have a balance composition and gave the example of the Champions League winners, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 FC.
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