Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) is set to challenge Arsenal.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) announced the roster for the match against Arsenal in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) semifinals for the 2024-2025 season, which will take place on the 8th at 4 a.m. (Korea time) at Parc des Princes in Paris, France. The first leg held in London ended with PSG winning 1-0.

In this match, Lee Kang-in was one of the 22 players announced. His participation was uncertain due to injury, but fortunately, he attended the final training the day before. Additionally, Ousmane Dembélé, who missed the last match due to injury, was also included in the lineup. The British tabloid 'The Sun' noted on the 7th that "Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, and Andrea Berta, Arsenal's Director General, have shown interest in Lee Kang-in," adding that "Lee Kang-in is on the transfer list as he has been excluded from the rotation at PSG. If a transfer fee can be recovered, he will be sold."

On the 6th, Lee Kang-in deleted the PSG wording from his Instagram bio. While he has kept a photo uploaded with his PSG teammates, he removed the team name. Naturally, fans interpreted this as another hint that Lee Kang-in, who has recently been embroiled in transfer rumors, might be leaving.

Although Lee Kang-in is active on social media, he has had few changes to his profile. In fact, he had previously removed the Mallorca team name from his Instagram profile before moving to PSG. This incident is also viewed as a sign that he is approaching a farewell with PSG.

Currently, Lee Kang-in is at the center of transfer rumors. Recently, Spain's 'Estadio Deportivo' reported that "Lee Kang-in is ready to end his journey with PSG. PSG has allowed Lee Kang-in's transfer as they prepare for next season. Arsenal has shown interest in him, and his market value has already been determined."

The media stated, "Lee Kang-in will leave PSG this summer. PSG is facing the most important moment in its history. Having already secured the league title weeks ago, PSG's task now is to win the UEFA Champions League (UCL). While it is uncertain what will happen in the second leg against Arsenal, the PSG board is already paying attention to the future and squad composition," indicating that PSG is planning for the summer transfer market.

Lee Kang-in left Mallorca in the summer of 2023 to don the PSG uniform. Capturing the attention of Director General Luis Campos, he signed a five-year contract with high expectations. At that time, the transfer fee was around €22 million (approximately 34.5 billion won). Having had a smooth first season, Lee Kang-in seemed to be receiving even more trust from head coach Luis Enrique this season.

Until the early part of the season, Lee Kang-in showcased his versatility by playing various roles, including as a 'false nine', right winger, and central midfielder. He also accumulated several attacking points, approaching a career high. However, following the winter transfer window, his presence on the team significantly diminished. With newcomers pushing forward aggressively, Lee Kang-in found himself pushed out of the starting competition.

Having become a rotational resource without securing a starting position as a central midfielder or a wide attacker, Lee Kang-in has been consistently warming the bench even on the crucial UCL stage. Since entering the tournament, he has played only a total of 16 minutes. He was not even utilized as a bench member in the previous match against Arsenal.

Naturally, transfer rumors have been incessant. France's 'Sport' claimed, "Lee Kang-in was brought in to solidify his position in the PSG midfield but has not become an essential player. The PSG board is considering selling Lee Kang-in to make space for new reinforcements."

Lee Kang-in's performance this season stands at 43 matches with 6 goals and 6 assists. However, among these, he has made 24 starts and 19 substitute appearances. His playing time totals 2,307 minutes, ranking 14th on the team. Particularly as his role has diminished in the second half of the season, he has virtually disappeared from the UCL scene, increasing the likelihood of his transfer.

From the player's perspective, there is a desire for a transfer. Lee Kang-in understandably has some discontent. According to the influential French publication 'L'Équipe', he wants more opportunities in important matches. However, as the team is performing well, he is currently holding back to avoid causing issues. PSG and Lee Kang-in are expected to discuss his future after the season concludes.

Now PSG is also open to selling Lee Kang-in. PSG rejected Arsenal's offer for him during the last winter transfer window, but they now think they would allow a transfer if a suitable proposal comes in. Furthermore, a realistic transfer fee has been set. L'Équipe reported that a transfer fee of €20 million (approximately 31.7 billion won) could bring PSG to the negotiation table.

Until January, PSG sought double the price they paid Mallorca for Lee Kang-in in 2023, which was €22 million (approximately 34.7 billion won), but they have halved their demand in just six months. The most likely destinations are in the Premier League. Indeed, several clubs, including Arsenal, inquired about signing Lee Kang-in last winter, but PSG rejected all inquiries.

Besides Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with him. At that time, Italy’s 'Tutto Mercato' reported that "Newcastle and Manchester United have sent scouts multiple times to observe Lee Kang-in. Both teams have inquired about information and will attempt to sign him. Initial contacts have already been made. The valuation is approximately €40 million (about 60.4 billion won), and the amount could change once negotiations begin."

France's 'Foot 01' also reported that "Manchester United, with significantly greater financial power than Palace, is participating in the competition for Lee Kang-in's signature. Coach Ruben Amorim highly values him, believing he can contribute to his tactical system." Additionally, Lee Kang-in's agent, Javier Garrido, visited England last month to hold discussions with Manchester United, Aston Villa, Everton, and others, which fueled the rumors.

Among them, Arsenal is strongly linked with Lee Kang-in. Arsenal, which desired Lee Kang-in last winter, may move again. At that time, it was reported that manager Mikel Arteta attempted to sign Lee Kang-in amid injuries to attackers, including Bukayo Saka.

'Estadio Deportivo' stated that "Arsenal is knocking on the door. They will welcome Lee Kang-in's addition starting next season. Arsenal will have no difficulty bringing Lee Kang-in for the amount PSG desires. This will be a special request from coach Mikel Arteta."

'The Sun' reported, "Manager Arteta and Director General Berta are directly showing interest in Lee Kang-in. Berta had been interested in Lee Kang-in during his time as Atlético’s Director General, but the player transferred to PSG," adding, "Lee Kang-in has now been listed for release by PSG. What is needed is a suitable transfer fee. The player himself is also interested due to dissatisfaction with his playing time, making a transfer likely, given Arsenal’s active interest and the player's own desire. "

Ultimately, with Lee Kang-in's name on the starting lineup for the match against Arsenal, it has become yet another showcase. Attention is drawn to what kind of performance Lee Kang-in will display with this opportunity.

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