Dani Alves to officially sign for Juventus next week

After eight seasons at FC Barcelona, Dani Alves has decided to exercise his contractual option to leave the club on a free transfer this summer, with a move Italian champions Juventus on the cards.

The Brazilian defender's switch to Juve has been strongly rumoured for weeks now, but it seems completion of the deal and an official announcement will be made next week.

Alves had been tied up by his involvement in the Copa America with the Brazilian national team. But the five-time World Cup-winners were eliminated from the competition earlier than expected, and Alves has returned to his home in Barcelona.

It is believed that the 33-year-old full-back has requested some time to himself before signing on the dotted line and making his switch to Turin official.

But all formalities will be completed next week, once Alves has had his desired time off.

Alves signed for Barcelona from Sevilla in 2008 for a fee in excess of €30m.

During his first season at the Camp Nou the Brazilian was a key figure in Pep Guardiola's Treble-winning side, and has since gone on to add two more Champions League winners' medals to his collection, as well as a host of other honours.

With Alves leaving, Barcelona will be in the market for a replacement for the right-back position this summer. Various reports have linked the Catalan giants with a move for Arsenal's Hector Bellerín.