Dani Alves convinced Arthur Melo to leave Barcelona for Juventus

Former Barcelona Brazilian defender Dani Alves. Photo: Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Dani Alves reportedly convinced Arthur Melo of leaving Barcelona for Juventus after the midfielder’s initial cold shoulder.

The exchange deal involving Arthur and
Miralem Pjanic finally went through last week, but obtaining the Brazilian’s approval proved difficult as he fought to stay at Camp Nou.

Now, ESPN claims Alves was one of the keys to the move happening thanks to ‘a series of phone calls’, where the right-back explained he would have ‘a bigger role to play’ in Turin.

The ex-Barcelona man won a domestic double and reached the Champions League final with the Bianconeri in 2016-17.

The website adds Alex Sandro and Douglas Costa were equally important in persuading their countryman to accept the Old Lady’s offer.

Arthur and Pjanic will see out the season with Barca and Juve before swapping clubs.