This summer, Lee Kang-in's (24, Paris Saint-Germain) transfer is a foregone conclusion.
The British 'Football Express' reported on the 8th, "Arsenal is attempting to acquire Lee Kang-in from PSG this summer. Arsenal has already contacted Lee's camp. Lee is an excellent player, but he has not received much playing time at PSG, overshadowed by other players. Arsenal has decided firmly to acquire Lee Kang-in."
The media added, "Arsenal targeted Lee Kang-in in the January transfer market as well. If a reasonable offer comes from PSG, they plan to let Lee go. PSG brought Lee from Mallorca for £18.7 million (about 34.7 billion won). PSG would let Lee go for at least £17 million (about 31.6 billion won). The likelihood of Lee's transfer is very high."
PSG has already excluded Lee from their plans. PSG faced Arsenal in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the 2024-2025 season at Parc des Princes in Paris, winning 2-1 on the 8th (Korean time).
PSG, which won the first leg 1-0, cleanly reached the final with two victories. The opponent in the final is Inter Milan, which advanced by defeating Barcelona with one win and one draw.
Lee Kang-in was on the substitute list but did not have the opportunity to play. Although PSG was ahead 2-0 in the second half, manager Luis Enrique brought in two players, but it was not Lee.
There were no issues with Lee's physical condition. Lee was substituted in the first half due to a thigh injury in the match against Strasbourg on the 4th. However, being included on the substitute list indicates that there were no issues with Lee's physical condition. Ultimately, it seems to indicate the manager Enrique's decision to exclude Lee from the lineup.
Lee is also sorting out his relationship with PSG. On the 6th, Lee deleted PSG from his profile on social media. This is notable as it comes shortly after reports emerged that Lee directly requested a transfer from PSG. It suggests that Lee may have made a decision to end his ties with PSG.
In France, the likelihood of Lee's transfer is considered high. The French 'L'Équipe' reported on the 4th in an article titled "Lee Kang-in has held back just before an explosion. PSG is silent as they are on a winning streak," giving significant coverage to Lee's transfer rumors. The outlet noted, "Will Lee go to Arsenal? Or to Newcastle? Lee wants guaranteed playing time," reporting on the rumors surrounding his transfer.
'L'Équipe' journalist Loïc Tanzi explained, "PSG and Lee will discuss the future after the season ends. The ace of the Korean national team, Lee Kang-in, has completely lost his footing at PSG. Manager Luis Enrique has not provided Lee with much playing time recently. Lee has also expressed his intention to part ways with PSG."
If Lee Kang-in puts on the red jersey of Arsenal, he will become the second Korean player after Park Ji-sung. If Lee moves to Arsenal, he will play in England following his time in Spain and France. This could create an exciting matchup with Son Heung-min in the North London Derby.
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