Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Dani Alves Amid Juventus and PSG Rumours

Barcelona have stated that Dani Alves will leave the club this summer amid links to Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

The Blaugrana's technical director, Robert Fernandez, confirmed the player's decision to depart on the club's official Twitter feed:

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Calciomercato.com), Dinorah Santa Ana, Alves’ ex-wife and agent, jetted to Paris after the French champions made a formal offer for the 33-year-old. With the contract of Gregory van der Wiel set to expire and Serge Aurier in trouble off the field after his recent arrest, PSG are said to be in the hunt for a new right-back. 

Per Goal Brazil (h/t Calciomercato.com), an agreement is already in place between Alves and the Italian champions about a future transfer, with a three-year deal said to be signed already.

Although the Brazil international spent time earlier in his career with Sevilla, it’s difficult to imagine him playing in any club jersey other than the iconic Blaugrana one after such a storied stint at the Camp Nou.

Here is a look back at some of the best moments from eight remarkable years in Catalonia:

There are so many different qualities Alves brings to a team. Admittedly he may be coming to the end of his career, but during his heyday—under the guidance of former manager Pep Guardiola—the Brazilian was a force of nature on the right flank.

Essentially operating as a right-winger, the manner in which Alves burst forward with incision into space was incredibly difficult to stop.

In a team packed with intricate players who were keen to build attacks meticulously, the Brazilian was a wrecking ball down the right, bursting into the box, getting crosses in from the byline and pulling defenders out of position.

He also linked up brilliantly with Lionel Messi, with both men stationed on the right flank at times, per OptaJose:

After another fine season, in which Alves helped inspire Barcelona to a league-and-cup double, manager Luis Enrique will find the veteran difficult to replace.

Indeed, you suspect there would be a future for the 33-year-old at the Camp Nou if he wanted it, although at this late stage in his career, a new challenge would surely appeal to the player.

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Alves will add a lot to whichever team he joins. He's not just an attacking threat from the right flank, but he also has a winning mentality and huge character, qualities that have been clear to see during his spell at the Camp Nou.

For Juventus and PSG, two teams seeking to make strides in Europe, he would also add savvy when it comes to getting over the line in the UEFA Champions League.

ESPN FC’s David Amoyal can see other reasons why Juventus would benefit from his potential arrival:

Of the two clubs linked, the Bianconeri seem to be in pole position. As Alves begins to lose his dynamism, the more tactical nature of Italian football will suit him; he’ll still provide a threat in the final third, but the relentless runs on the right will not be the order of the day. He’ll be another experienced head to go alongside men like Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini.

The challenge for Barcelona is finding someone who can replicate Alves’ influence.