Arsenal are poised to beat Premier League rivals Manchester United to the signature of Barcelona defender Dani Alves, according to reports.

The 31-year-old Brazilian international's contract at the Camp Nou expires at the end of the season and no new deal has been offered by the La Liga club.

Louis van Gaal's side had been leading the chase for Alves, but Arsenal could now hijack the deal, the Daily Star claims.

Alves joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2008 and has made over 200 appearances for the Catalan club.