South American defender wants to join Arsenal, keen to link-up with Emery

Managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads during the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Here, Arsenal are linked with Dani Alves…

Dani Alves is keen to join Arsenal on a free transfer this summer but is demanding a huge £200,000-a-week contract, according to The Sun.

Alves has undoubtedly been one of the best full-backs in the world for over 10 years as he’s won 40 trophies during hugely successful spells at Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain during his illustrious career.

The 36-year-old has also been capped 115 times by Brazil and proved he’s still one of the top right-backs on the planet after helping his country win the Copa America earlier this summer.

Alves is now a free agent after running down his contract at PSG and understandably there is no shortage of interest being shown with Mundo Deportivo reporting recently that Arsenal have joined Tottenham and Man City in the race for his signature.

However, it looks like Arsenal are in pole position as The Sun claims Alves favours a move to the Emirates as he wants to link-up with Unai Emery again having played under the Spaniard during their time together in Paris.

The report says City will only dip into the market for a new right-back if Danilo leaves and Pep Guardiola’s prime target is Joao Cancelo so Alves is only deemed a back-up option. Tottenham could be eyeing the Brazilian as a potential replacement for Kieran Trippier following his move to Atletico Madrid.

Emery is expected to be busy over the coming weeks strengthening his squad ahead of the new season and the Arsenal boss could do with some experienced support for Hector Bellerin after Stephan Lichtsteiner left the club.

Alves would be an ideal replacement and the South American has previously confirmed he plans to test himself in the Premier League before he retires. He’s quoted by The Sun as saying:

“The idea that I might finish my career without going to the Premier League, it is not possible. For sure, this is the most amazing football in the world. First, because of the respect for the players from the fans, and then because of the passion on the pitch.

“If I can play, that would be perfect, but I will make it there one way or the other.”

I’m sure Arsenal fans would be excited to see a player of Alves’s caliber join the club, however, his wage demands could prove to be a problem as The Sun says the right-back wants a two-year deal worth a whopping £200,000-a-week.

Arsenal are currently trying to reduce their wage bill after shifting high earners like Aaron Ramsey, Petr Cech and Danny Welbeck while we’re desperate to sell Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan if suitable buyers can be found.

READ –> Arsenal transfer news

So it seems unlikely the Arsenal bosses will sanction a big-money contract for a 36-year-old full-back but we shouldn’t have to wait too long to find out as the newspaper report says Alves will announce his next club within the next two weeks.