Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Have No Need for Barcelona Star Dani Alves

Chelsea are reportedly ready to make a January move for Barcelona full-back Dani Alves with the promise of a big-money contract, but the Blues have absolutely no need for the Brazilian star.

According to the Daily Star's John Toner, Jose Mourinho has no intention of waiting for Alves' contract to run out in the summer and wants to add the defender immediately. The Brazil international is keen on a move to England, as he previously told O Globo (via Toner):

"I am moving to England next year. I am going to play in the cradle of football. This will be my last year at Barcelona."

Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly all monitoring the situation, but with the Catalans eager to get something out of a potential deal, the Blues will apparently attempt to move to the front of the pack by dealing in January.

The report sounds curious at best. Mourinho has little need for reinforcements at the full-back position, and if he were to identify the position as a weakness, the Portuguese manager could do far better than Alves.

The 31-year-old will go down as one of the best full-backs of his generation, combining incredible pace and vision with a strong build and excellent technique. An offensive mismatch, he has all of the physical tools to make up for defensive mistakes, chasing down his man from behind.

But like every top player relying mostly on raw athleticism, he has regressed tremendously with age. Bleacher Report UK's Sam Tighe is scared for Barcelona every time he sees him on the ball:

Alves is still the Catalans' regular starter at right back (seven appearances so far this season, per WhoScored.com) for two reasons. He understands the team's system to perfection, and the Blaugrana simply don't have anyone better.

Spanish football insider Sergi Dominguez agrees the decline has been swift:

Veteran stars like Andrea Pirlo and Xavi have been able to prolong their careers due to their playing styles—never stressing their bodies too hard, and relying on vision and passing rather than speed. Alves is the opposite—at the age of 31, his body is betraying him.

That's not to say Alves has become a bad player. He's still a serviceable option as a regular starter, and when in form, he can still have some spectacular outings.

But Chelsea don't need serviceable. They're undefeated so far this season and acquired one of top the full-backs in the world in Filipe Luis during the summer. Alves' compatriot isn't even playing, because Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta have been excellent so far.

Don't think for one second Alves is coming to the Premier League to contribute as a bench player or super-sub. He clearly believes he's still a top player, as shared by The Guardian's Fernando Duarte:

Alves is going to demand top wages at a time when Chelsea are trying to set an example for responsible spending, staying in line with Financial Fair Play. He wants to be an impact player for a top club, and with the Blues, he would never be that.

Adding Alves as a depth player on a free transfer in the summer would make sense for Chelsea. Spending a significant transfer fee in January would not. The Blues don't need another full-back, and especially one whose best days are far behind him.

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