New Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari knows that owner Roman Abramovich holds the key to massive funds this summer, so it would be in the Brazilian’s best interest to make sure his new man gets what he wants. And what he wants apparently is a bit of local flair.
Russian tabloid Tvoi Den is reporting that the billionare owner would like to add some home country flavour to the new squad, and will ask Big Phil to pick a Russian player for his new team.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has told new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari that at least one Russian should be at the club.
The Brazilian now faces a choice between signing one or more of the country’s Euro 2008 heroes from a choice of Andrei Arshavin, Yuriy Zhirkov, Akinfeyev Akinfeyev and Roman Pavlyuchenko. (Tvoi Den)
Of the four names being throw about, you’d have to think that Akinfeyev and Arshavin might be the best options. This isn’t to say that Cech isn’t a great keeper, but if you’re going on someone for the future, then Akinfeyev might be that guy. Arshavin also showed signs of greatness during the Euros, so he also stands a chance of being on Big Phil’s shortlist.
If you were the new Chelsea boss, who would you choose from the Russian bunch? Do you think any of the four listed could make a serious impact on the club during the upcoming season?