Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) is being consolidated with English Premier League (EPL) Arsenal.
Global sports media ESPN reported on the European transfer market on the 9th, mentioning Lee Kang-in first. The media cited reports from the British popular newspaper The Sun, stating that "Lee Kang-in of PSG is being consolidated with Arsenal." The expected transfer fee is known to be around 20 million euros (approximately 31.6 billion won).
According to reports, Arsenal's new director, Andrea Berta, attempted to acquire Lee Kang-in while he was at Mallorca during his time with Atlético Madrid in 2023. This transaction, which had failed at the time, has resurfaced.
Reports of Lee Kang-in's transfer have also surfaced in other media in the UK. Multiple outlets, including the soccer specialty site "CaughtOffside," reported that Manchester United is also showing interest in Lee Kang-in.
Lee Kang-in's social media activity also reveals potential 'hints' regarding his transfer.
Recently, he removed the phrase 'PSG' from his Instagram profile introduction. There have been no PSG-related updates in his posts for about two months. As a result, fans are interpreting this as a sign of a change in Lee Kang-in's situation.
On the other hand, there is a perspective that it is difficult to conclude this as a transfer signal since Lee Kang-in also deleted other items, such as 'South Korea,' alongside PSG.
Regardless of the transfer possibilities, Lee Kang-in's position within PSG has noticeably diminished. He was excluded from the roster for both legs of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League (UCL) semifinals. He has remained on the bench for four consecutive matches since the first leg of the quarterfinals. He has also frequently substituted in during the second half of league matches.
He recently injured his shin, but it appears that the reason for his inability to participate is not solely due to the injury.
Analysis is emerging locally in France that Lee Kang-in may have been completely excluded from the plans of manager Luis Enrique.
After losing key resources, including Kylian Mbappé, manager Enrique has demanded fierce competition from the secondary resources, including Lee Kang-in. At the beginning of the season, Lee Kang-in recorded six goals and six assists in the league, demonstrating commendable performance. However, as dissonance emerged with his teammates, he gradually fell out of favor as a starter.
PSG is set to face Inter Milan in the UCL final on June 1 at 4 a.m. in Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany. If Lee Kang-in participates in this match, he will become the third Korean player to step onto the European Champions League final stage, following Park Ji-sung and Son Heung-min.
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