Alves denies Chelsea interest

Barcelona defender Dani Alves insists he will not be leaving the club this summer despite reports Chelsea are set to make a bid for him at the end of the season.

The Brazil international has been a key figure in Barca’s impressive campaign since moving from Sevilla last summer.

His performances have reportedly again caught the attention of Chelsea, who tried to buy him in 2007, and the Blues have been linked with an offer of around €27m.

However, Alves’ media representatives released a statement this afternoon claiming the 25-year-old right-back intends to see out the remainder of his contract at the Nou Camp and denied an article published in the Daily Mirror newspaper in which sources close to the player revealed he wishes to move to London.

“Daniel Alves knows about the interest of the London club today through the article in the ... tabloid,” the statement added.

“A denial is important in order to not give the wrong impression on this matter.”

Alves has a four-year contract at Barca which includes a release clause of €90m.