Having hit a snag in their pursuit of Joao Cancelo from Juventus, Manchester City have now turned their attention to Dani Alves, as per reports.
Despite retaining the Premier League title last season, Manchester City have been busy in the summer transfer window. They are looking at a few exciting names, to improve an already excellent squad, which could make them impossible to beat next season.
Alves is wanted by Manchester City as a backup right-back, but the Sky Blues will only make a move for the Brazilian if they are able to off-load Danilo this summer, claim Brazilian outlet Globoesporte.
Is Dani Alves a necessity at the Etihad?
Having lifted six Primera Liga titles, three Champions League titles, two Ligue 1 titles and a Serie A title, Alves is the most decorated player in world football at the moment. He has previously worked with Guardiola in Spain and a reunion makes sense.
Even at 36, Alves seems to be at his prime and was named the ‘Most Valuable Player’ at Copa America 2019, where he was a part of the winning side.
Alves registered seven assists and a goal in just 19 league starts last season for PSG, and is a player who has a fair number of years left in his football career.
He is perfect for Guardiola’s style of play as he can provide the attacking impetus and is sound defensively.
What should be Guardiola’s play here?
Danilo joined City from Real Madrid back in 2017 but has not been able to earn the trust of the Spanish manager. As a backup for both left-back and right-back roles, Danilo made just nine league starts last season, registering a goal, and is not an irreplaceable part of the squad at Etihad.
His ability to play multiple roles and experience at the highest level are two things Guardiola will lose if they sell him but replacing him with Alves could be an actual upgrade.
At 36, Alves may not have too many years of his prime but he makes an immediate impact at the club, will allow the likes of Kyle Walker to get a day off and will make the English champions that much stronger.
Selling Danilo to make a place for Alves may not be a productive move for the long term future of the club but for the next season, this most is a complete no-brainer.
