Manchester City are reportedly inching closer to securing the services of Dani Alves from Juventus in the summer.
According to a report in the Daily Mirror, Pep Guardiola is eyeing a summer reunion with his former Barcelona charge, Dani Alves. Manchester City have made a move to land the Juventus defender in the summer transfer window.
Alves joined Juventus from Barcelona last summer after a glittering eight-year spell at Camp Nou made him one of the most decorated players of all time, while also firmly establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the world.
Initially slow off the blocks, the 34-year-old managed to carved out a place for himself in Massimiliano Allegri’s first-team plans. And it was in the Champions League in particular where Alves proved that he has still got what it takes to match up with the best, despite being in the twilight years of his career.
Blues, would you like to see City sign Brazilian right back Dani Alves?
RT – Yes
FAV – No#mcfc pic.twitter.com/ed6nbWivpT— WeAreMCFC™ (@WeAreMCFC) June 18, 2017
However, if the latest reports are anything to go by, the player could be set to leave Juventus after just one season. In fact, the Bianconeri are ready to allow allow Alves to move to Manchester City, as per the report, where Pep Guardiola is keen to link up with the Brazilian once again.
The interest in the defender comes in the wake of an underwhelming season for the Citizens in which they failed to win a single trophy. Defence, in particular, was a problem area for City, as an ageing back-line struggled to keep pace against largely pacy opposition attacking units.
At the culmination of the campaign, the club also parted ways with Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna, meaning Guardiola has been eyeing reinforcements for the right side of his side’s defence.
Tottenham defender, Kyle Walker is reportedly his top priority but the report goes on to suggest that the Manchester City manager is keen on recruiting two quality right-backs. And with City set to compete on four fronts next season, the presence of Alves and Walker in the squad will enable Guardiola to rotate his right-backs efficiently.
Alves will also bring with himself a winning mentality that a club like City is in search of, and the veteran defender can turn help guide some of the younger players at the Etihad. And with just one year left to run on his current deal with Juventus, the player would make for a cheap, short-term solution for the club.
A return of six goals and seven assists in all competitions for Juve also suggests that Alves has continued to make an impact in the final third as well. It now remains to be seen if City are able to strike a deal for Alves, with the Brazil international looking set for a move away from Juventus this summer.
