The Italian coach, who has been heavily connected with his move to Chelsea, turned down a £5. 2m/a year contract with the Russian side, according to The Sun.
Reports suggest Sarri is a free agent, having parted ways with tactics with Napoli after guiding them to the position of time being in Serie A last season.
The 59-year-old, who would have been replaced by Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli, has been touted as the favourite to succeed Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s tactical component with his compatriot this summer.
The report suggests Sarri rejected Zenit’s offer to pave the way for his move to Chelsea.