Would Dani Alves be a Good Signing for Manchester City?

Manchester City could be set to make one of the best transfers of the summer as they close in on Dani Alves. Goal report that they are closing in on the Brazilian and he could become the first of four full-back additions that the club make this summer. Benjamin Mendy and Kyle Walker are main targets for Pep Guardiola, but they are struggling to agree on fees for either, which has led to the acceleration of the deal for the Juventus wing-back. They may be hoping that this is the first of many breakthroughs as they attempt to win the Premier League title next season. The sooner they can sign their targets, the better it will be for them.

This may be a surprising deal considering the former Barcelona player is now 34, but he has shown that he can still compete to a high level as he played a starring role in Juventus’ run to the Champions League final. Guardiola knows him well from their time together at the Nou Camp and he was one of the bigger characters in the dressing room during that time. Although he is getting towards the end of his career, he still has a lot to offer and City will be hoping that he can contribute both on and off the pitch.

Last season, City had major problems at full-back and they are correct to target three or four players that can thrive in the position. They are crucial in the modern game, both in a defensive and an attacking sense. Guardiola asks his full-backs to carry out a very specific role and that is one of the reasons that this would be a great deal for the club. Alves already understands what is takes to play in a Guardiola team and he would be able to fit into the system seamlessly. He also possesses a winning mentality, which is needed at the Etihad Stadium.

Alves has arguably been the best full-back in recent times and it will only be a positive for City if they manage to sign him. He may lack the explosive pace that he had during his prime, but he is now a lot more intelligent and he rarely makes a poor move. If the club also signs Kyle Walker, it could be that the Englishman gets to learn from Alves and that would be hugely beneficial for him. He has been one of the better players in his position, but he still has flaws in his game.

The deal has yet to be completed and it may not happen, but it would send out a major statement to the rest of league as Alves has the pedigree of a born winner.He has rarely failed during his career and he is the type of character that City need if they are to push on to the next level. His existing relationship with Guardiola is a massive plus as it means that he will be able to adjust to his methods immediately. Given his age, there will always be doubts, but it is difficult to Alves failing at City if he does complete a move as the above story suggests.