Arsenal plan January move for Barcelona star

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has emerged as a surprise January transfer window target for Arsenal, with the future of Bacary Sagna at the Emirates Stadium still unclear.

Alves has been out of favour at Barcelona this season under new manager Tito Vilanova and, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are considering a move for the Brazil international.

Alves' position as Barcelona's first-choice right-back under Pep Guardiola has not continued under the stewardship of Vilanova, who has often favoured Adriano Correia or Martin Montoya ahead of the 29-year-old.

Barcelona have posted the best ever start to a La Liga campaign and, with Vilanova unlikely to change a winning formula, Arsene Wenger is reportedly keeping tabs on the situation of Alves.

Arsenal have reportedly identified Alves a possible for replacement for Sagna who does not currently have plans to sign a contract extension when his current deal expires at the end of the season.

Sagna has been linked with a transfer from Arsenal to Paris Saint-Germain, and the Gunners may be tempted to cash-in on the contract rebel - just as they did with Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie.