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Dani Alves has told the Telegraph that he is keen to play in England before his retirement so, as the Brazilian is already in his mid-thirties, we could be seeing him in the Premier League in the near future. Maurizio Sarri should give the veteran his chance.

What's the story?

In an interview with the Telegraph before PSG's clash with Napoli in the Champions League, Alves said that he "will make it to the Premier League one way another" before he calls time on his illustrious career.

Currently returning to fitness after a cruciate ligament rupture suffered in May, the 35-year-old has lost his place in the lineup to Thomas Meunier, who is fast becoming one of the best fullbacks in Europe.

If the former Barcelona and Juventus man refuses to retire from his playing career before plying his trade in the English top flight, surely a move needs to happen soon?

It is unlikely that the defender will just waltz back into the PSG fore upon his return , so he may feel that a switch across the channel is needed in the summer, if not January.

Chelsea are currently unbeaten in the Premier League but Sarri's system is not without fault and Alves could have a huge helping hand as some of the Blues' starting XI are still finding their feet.

A short-term solution

Most of the Chelsea players are taking to Sarri's expansive brand of football like ducks to water - most of them.

One man who has struggled under the new boss is Cesar Azpilicueta, surprisingly so as the Spaniard has been one of the most consistent and dependable players in the squad for the last few years.

However, the versatile defender has looked uncomfortable playing on the right of a back four this season and was subject to a torrent of abuse from the Blues faithful after a poor showing against Crystal Palace, with some even requesting that he revoke his captaincy.

There is no arguing that the former Marseille man is excellent on the back foot, but his one assist in 12 Premier League games so far doesn't stack up to his six in 37 last year and Sarri would be wise to bring in a right-back that can supply for the forwards more effectively - or at least while Azpilicueta, affectionately nicknamed 'Dave', is still adjusting to his new role.

Alves fits the bill perfectly as he is arguably better going forward than going back and, as he is getting on a bit, can just slide into the back four for the remainder of the season and do a job until he hangs up his boots while Azpilicueta can be become partner to Antonio Rudiger at the heart of the defence.

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