Arsenal have emerged as surprise contenders to sign out-of-contract Brazil defender Dani Alves .
Gunners boss Unai Emery desperately needs to strengthen his defence, but only has £45million to play with after Arsenal failed to qualify for next season's Champions League.
So a free transfer for former Barcelona , Juventus and Paris-Saint Germain right-back Alves would appear to make sense - if the right-back can be persuaded to join Arsenal.
Alves would bring huge experience - with Brazil's Copa America triumph this month representing a record 40th trophy for the 36-year-old.
However, as the clock runs down on his career, he may prefer to joina team competing in the Champions League next season, rather than one aiming to get back into Europe's top competition.
Alves has also been linked with a move to Manchester City , where he would be reunited with his former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola and provide competition for England international Kyle Walker.
But as the race for the Brazil star's signature hots up, Arsenal boss Emery has asked the club to make an approach for Alves, according to Spanish outlet AS via Sky Sports .
In a career spanning 18 years and five clubs, Alves has claimed domestic league and cup wins, at Barcelona, Juventus and PSG.
He won three Champions League crowns while with Barcelona in 2009, 2011 and 2015.
Alves has also enjoyed a successful career for his country, winning the Copa America in 2007 and the Confederations Cup twice in 2009 and 2013 before his second Copa triumph a week ago.
Arsenal's improved £25million offer for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney has been rejected, .
Arsenal are also keen on centre-back William Saliba but Tottenham have reportedly made an attempt to hijack their bid for the Saint-Etienne youngster.
As Arsenal attempt to navigate what is shaping up to be a very tricky transfer window, extra funds will have to be raised through the sale of players, with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan up for grabs.
