Chelsea want to sign Daniel Alves

Written by Sam Wilson , 23.07 20h24

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UEFA Cup Champions Sevilla have slapped a £20 million price tag on Brazilian star Daniel Alves as the Spanish side try to ward off growing interest from Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.

Mourinho has been looking to strengthen his back-line this summer after last season’s injury-ravaged campaign, and if a deal for Alves, who played a starring role in Brazil’s recent Copa America success, cannot be agreed the Chelsea boss is likely to turn to Tottenham right-back Pascal Chimbonda to solve his team’s defensive problems.

Right-back Alves, 24, scored the third goal in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over rivals Argentina in the Copa America final, and impressed Mourinho with a string of outstanding displays for La Liga side Sevilla last season as the Spanish side recaptured their UEFA Cup crown.

Chelsea are expected to formally open negotiations with Sevilla for Alves when they return from their US tour next week, but Sevilla president José María del Nido seems unwilling to let go of the club’s prize asset without a fight.

Last week del Nido denied reports that the club had received a £14m bid from Chelsea for the player, and it is understood that he values the 24-year-old at closer to £20m (€30m).

Chelsea’s interest in Alves comes despite the return of England full-back Glen Johnson following a year on loan at Portsmouth, and the London club could face competition from Premiership rivals Liverpool for the Brazilian’s signature.

However, Rafa Benitez’s free-spending Reds are unlikely to enter a bidding war with Chelsea after having a £9m bid for the player turned down last summer.

AC Milan and Arsenal are also thought to be monitoring the Alves situation as they look to strengthen their squads before the upcoming season.

Alves plays as a wing-back for Seville but the Brazilian can also play as an orthodox right-back or right-sided midfielder. His versatility makes him a prime transfer target for some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

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