With the changes in Lee Kang-in's (24, Paris Saint-Germain) social media, transfer rumors linking him to Arsenal have begun to heat up.

The British publication 'The Sun' reported on the 7th (Korean time) that 'Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's head coach, and Andrea Bertta, Arsenal's Director General, have shown interest in Lee Kang-in,' adding, 'Lee has been excluded from the rotation at PSG and is on the transfer list. If they can recover the transfer fee, he will be sold.'

Lee Kang-in deleted the PSG phrase from his Instagram bio on the 6th. Although the photo he uploaded with PSG teammates remains, he has removed the team name. Naturally, among fans, there is speculation that Lee, who has recently been caught up in transfer rumors, is hinting at a transfer once again.

While Lee Kang-in consistently engages in social media activities, there have been almost no changes to his profile. In fact, during his time at Mallorca, he also removed the Mallorca team name from Instagram before moving to PSG. Some argue that this move can be seen as a signal of an impending farewell to PSG.

Currently, Lee Kang-in is at the center of transfer rumors. Recently, Spain's 'Estadio Deportivo' reported that 'Preparations to end the association with Lee Kang-in have been completed. PSG has allowed Lee's transfer in preparation for next season. Arsenal is showing interest in him, and his market value has already been established.'

The media stated, 'Lee Kang-in will leave PSG this summer. PSG is facing the most critical moment in its history. Having already secured the league title a few weeks ago, PSG's task is to win the UEFA Champions League. What happens in the second leg of the semifinals against Arsenal is uncertain, but the PSG board is already paying attention to the future and player composition,' indicating that PSG is planning for the summer transfer window.

Lee Kang-in left Mallorca in the summer of 2023 to don the PSG jersey. He caught the eye of Director Luis Campos and signed a five-year contract with high expectations. At that time, the transfer fee was approximately €22 million (about 34.5 billion won). After a stable first season, Lee seemed to gain 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 'false nine,' right winger, and central midfielder, accumulating several offensive points and aiming for a career high. However, starting around the winter transfer window, his presence within the team drastically decreased as new players emerged fiercely, causing him to fall behind in the starting competition.

He has now become a rotation player, unable to secure a starting position as a central midfielder or a wide attacker. In fact, Lee has been sitting on the bench even in crucial UEFA Champions League matches. During the tournament, he has played a total of only 16 minutes. He was not even utilized as a bench member in the recent match against Arsenal.

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

Lee Kang-in's performance this season includes 43 matches, 6 goals, and 6 assists. However, of those matches, he started in 24 and came in as a substitute in 19. His playing time totals 2,307 minutes, placing him 14th in the team. Particularly, as his position has diminished in the second half of the season, he has virtually disappeared from the UEFA Champions League stage, increasing the likelihood of a transfer.

From the player's perspective, a transfer is desired. Lee cannot help but feel dissatisfaction. According to the prominent French media 'L'Équipe,' he wishes to receive more opportunities in important matches. However, as the team is performing well, he is tolerating the situation without causing issues. PSG and Lee are expected to discuss the future after the season concludes.

Now, PSG is open to the prospect of selling Lee Kang-in. PSG rejected an offer from Arsenal in the last winter transfer window, but now they are willing to allow a transfer if an appropriate offer comes in. Additionally, the transfer fee has been set at a realistic level. L'Équipe explained that a transfer fee of €20 million (about 31.7 billion won) would allow PSG to sit at the negotiation table.

Until January, PSG had sought double the €22 million (about 34.7 billion won) that they paid Mallorca in 2023 for Lee, but they have halved their demands in just six months. The likely destination is the Premier League. In fact, several clubs, including Arsenal, inquired about acquiring Lee Kang-in last winter, but PSG rejected all inquiries.

Not only Arsenal but also Manchester United, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur are also linked to him. At that time, Italy's 'Tuttomercatoweb' reported, 'Newcastle and Manchester United have sent scouts multiple times to observe Lee. Both teams inquired about information and plan to make an attempt to acquire him. Initial contact has already been made. The estimated value is approximately €40 million (about 60.4 billion won), and the amount may change as negotiations commence.'

France's 'Foot 01' also reported that 'Manchester United, which possesses far greater financial resources than Palace, is also participating in the competition to acquire Lee Kang-in. Head coach Ruben Amorim highly values him. Coach Amorim is confident that Lee can contribute to his tactical system.' Additionally, Lee's agent, Javi García, visited England last month to meet with Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Everton, further fueling rumors.

Among them, Arsenal is strongly linked to Lee Kang-in. Arsenal, which wanted to sign Lee last winter, may move again. It is reported that head coach Mikel Arteta attempted to acquire Lee during a time when the attacking line, including Bukayo Saka, was plagued by injuries.

'Estadio Deportivo' noted, 'Arsenal is knocking on the door. They will welcome Lee's arrival for next season. Arsenal will have no trouble securing Lee at the amount PSG desires. This will be a special request from head coach Mikel Arteta.'

Lee Kang-in is eagerly preparing for his return ahead of the forthcoming match against Arsenal and the second leg of the UEFA Champions League. The Sun explained that 'Coach Arteta and Director Bertta are directly showing interest in Lee. Bertta had shown interest in Lee during his time as director at Atlético, but the player transferred to PSG.'

The media emphasized that 'Lee Kang-in is now on PSG's release list. All that is needed is a suitable transfer fee. The player himself is dissatisfied with his playing time and is interested in a transfer,' stating, 'Since Arsenal is actively pursuing him and the player wants it, the probability of a transfer is high.'

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