According to the Daily Mirror, Premier League Arsenal are monitoring the situation of veteran Brazilian full-back Dani Alves. The former Barcelona star is a free agent this summer after his deal with French giants PSG expired.

However, despite his advancing years, he proved at the Copa America with the Selecao that he is still a very good player. The 36-year-old won player of the tournament, as Tite’s team won the competition for the first time in 12 years.

Played all over Europe

Alves has played all over Europe, winning La Liga in Spain, Serie A in Italy and of course Ligue One with current employers PSG. There are only two of Europe’s top-five leagues missing off his CV, the Bundesliga and of course the Premier League.

In his prime, Alves was consistently linked with moves to the English top-flight. However, he never quite made it to the Premier League. That could be all about to change if the latest reports are accurate.

He would be an ideal signing for Arsenal

Arsenal are looking to shop in the bargain basement this summer, as Gunners boss, Unai Emery is reported to only have around £45million to spend. That will mean the Spaniard will have to work hard to strengthen his creaking squad.

The Mirror states that Emery has asked the club to make contact with Alves about a move to north London this summer. The deal would make major sense to Arsenal, as he would provide very real competition for Spanish right-back Hector Bellerin. The veteran would also bring a winning mentality to a Gunners dressing room that is regarded by many as weak.

Arsenal allowed another veteran Stephan Lichtsteiner leave the club earlier this summer, so are in need of extra cover in Alves position.

Gunners would have major competition

The problem for Arsenal is that they are likely to have some major competition for Alves, despite the full-back being in the twilight of his career. At the minute a move to China looks like the most likely possibility for the full-back, while a move back to former club Barcelona is also high in the betting.

There is also reported interest from Italian club Inter and interesting English champions Manchester City. City boss Pep Guardiola managed the veteran full-back in Catalonia.

Alves’ next move depends on what the Brazilian is looking for in his next destination. If it is Champions League football, then a move to Arsenal or China is out. If he is looking for a final big payday, then a switch to the far east is probably the most likely switch.

The full-backs strong performances at the Copa America have put him in a good position this summer. His displays for Brazil may just lead to a slight tinge of regret from PSG about allowing him to leave the club. It would certainly be interesting for Premier League fans if Alves ended up in England. However, it seems the world is his oyster, so he could literally be plying his trade anywhere next season.

Will Dani Alves be plying his trade in the Premier League next season?