Sports Shorts: Juventus confirm Alves exit amid Man City speculation

Juventus confirm Alves exit amid Man City speculation

Italian champions Juventus have confirmed that defender Dani Alves has left the club after one season amid speculation the Brazilian fullback is set to join Manchester City.

The 34-year-old joined Juventus on a two-year contract from Barcelona last June and made 33 appearances as the club sealed the domestic double but fell to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

"Juventus Football Club is to part company with Dani Alves after agreeing to a termination of the player's contract," Juventus said in a statement.

"Alves lifted two trophies in his single season in Turin, contributing to a third consecutive domestic league and cup double for the club before helping the team reach the UEFA Champions League final."

Media reports in Italy and England have linked Alves with a move to Premier League side City for a reunion with manager Pep Guardiola, who he worked under at Barcelona.

Fullbacks Gael Clichy, Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna all left City at the end of last season.

Arsenal CEO defends Wenger deal, promises 'quality' signings

Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis has told supporters that the club is hunting for top players to boost the squad and defended the decision to hand long-serving manager Arsene Wenger a new contract after a season marred by protests.

A vociferous section of fans turned on the manager as results faltered when Arsenal exited the Champions League and their hopes of a change of leadership were dashed when he signed a new two-year deal at the end of the campaign.

"We're looking for top-quality players," Gazidis said at a fan event on Thursday.

"We've got three times as many scouts as we had four years ago. I believe that to be a world-class football club you've got to be world class off the pitch."

Some fans are disillusioned with the direction the club is heading in under Wenger, a feeling compounded by the perception that he is unwilling to spend big money on players that can take Arsenal to the next level.

On the pitch, Arsenal won the FA Cup but finished fifth in the Premier League, failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in Wenger's 21-year tenure.

Gazidis denied there was an element of sentimentality behind the decision to give Wenger an extended stay.

"It wasn't a sentimental decision," he said.

"It was a mutual one... I care about the club and those values. I want the club to be successful."

With news trickling out of the Emirates that Alexis Sanchez -- Arsenal's best player over the past few years -- wants out before the new campaign, the situation could quickly turn sour if results do not go Wenger's way from the start of next season.

Gazidis implored the supporters to unite behind the team.

"There has been disagreement," he added. "There has been a lack of unity and dissatisfaction. The board knows that.

"I beg you, please come together and give our manager and this team support. I want the atmosphere to be united and it has been a struggle because we haven't had that."

Zidane's son Enzo leaves Real Madrid for Alaves

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane's 22-year-old son Enzo has left the European champions to join Alaves.

The former France under-19 midfielder, who came through the Madrid club's academy, has signed a three-year deal with the La Liga side, who came ninth last season.

He scored on his only first-team appearance for Real Madrid in their King's Cup win over Cultural Leonesa last season.

Enzo played 78 games for Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve team, scoring seven goals.

"Deportivo Alaves wants to welcome Enzo Zidane and wishes him the best of luck for the new season," said a statement on the Alaves official website (www.deportivoalaves.com).