Can Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) become the new star of Arsenal after leaving France? The atmosphere in England is welcoming towards him. A local media outlet projected that Lee Kang-in could blossom at Arsenal.

The British 'Curt Offside' reported on the 8th (Korean time) that "Arsenal is set to acquire 'Ligue 1 star' Lee Kang-in, who has recorded 12 attacking points this season. Arsenal is in consolidation with Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)."

Lee Kang-in is currently embroiled in a hot transfer rumor. Spain's 'Estadio Deportivo' reported that "preparations have been completed to end the journey with Lee Kang-in. PSG has allowed his transfer while preparing for next season. Arsenal is showing interest in him, and his price has already been set."

Previously, France's 'Sport' also noted that "Lee Kang-in was acquired to solidify his position in PSG's midfield but has not become an essential player. The PSG board is considering selling Lee Kang-in to make room for new reinforcements. Whether they will choose to loan him or sell him to revive his career, given that he has not found a proper role in Paris, remains unknown."

Additionally, the influential French outlet 'Lequipe' brought up a similar story. The outlet stated, "Lee Kang-in wants more playing time, especially in crucial matches. However, he is refraining from voicing this due to the team's ongoing success. Both sides plan to discuss the future after the season," adding, "PSG is now open to the sale of Lee Kang-in."

Lee Kang-in left Mallorca in Spain last summer to don the PSG uniform. Captivated by Director Luis Campos, he signed a five-year contract amid high expectations. The transfer fee at that time was around 22 million euros (about 34.5 billion won).

Having had a smooth first season, Lee Kang-in seemed to be gaining the trust of coach Luis Enrique even more this season. Until the early part of the season, he showcased his versatility, taking on various roles such as 'false nine,' right winger, and central midfielder. He also accumulated multiple attacking points, aiming for a career high.

However, following the winter transfer market, his presence in the team has significantly decreased. With new signings emerging fiercely, Lee Kang-in found himself edged out of the starting competition. He has become a rotation player, failing to secure a starting spot either as a central midfielder or a wide attacker. In fact, Lee Kang-in has been glued to the bench on the important stage of the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

Lee Kang-in's record this season stands at 43 matches, 6 goals, and 6 assists. However, among those, he was only a starter in 24 games and came off the bench in 19. His total playing time is 2,307 minutes, ranking 14th on the team. His position has especially diminished in the second half of the season, effectively disappearing from the UCL stage.

It's inevitable for Lee Kang-in to feel dissatisfied. Currently, PSG is performing well in the league and has reached the UCL finals, so he is biding his time to avoid disrupting the team atmosphere. However, he will need to make decisions about his future once the season ends.

Of course, PSG does not wish to part ways with Lee Kang-in. According to Lequipe, they still hold his versatility in high regard. Moreover, since Enrique praises him as a player, they desire to extend his contract. However, if the player seeks more playing time, they are expected to let him go for a reasonable transfer fee.

Specific figures have been mentioned. Lequipe explained that for a transfer fee of 20 million euros (about 31.7 billion won), PSG would be willing to sit at the negotiation table. Just until January, PSG demanded double the amount they paid Mallorca in 2023 for Lee Kang-in, which was 22 million euros (about 34.7 billion won), but they have halved their demand in six months.

A strong contender for his next destination is the Premier League. In fact, last winter, several clubs including Arsenal inquired about acquiring Lee Kang-in, but PSG reportedly rejected all attempts. Along with Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur are also in consolidation with him. Furthermore, Lee Kang-in's agent, Javier Garrido, visited England last month and held talks with Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Everton, heightening the rumors.

Among them, Arsenal, which aims for the Premier League title each season, is strongly in consolidation with Lee Kang-in. The fact that Arsenal, which wanted Lee Kang-in last winter, could move again is notable. At that time, it is believed that head coach Mikel Arteta attempted to acquire Lee Kang-in amid injury woes among attackers including Bukayo Saka but could not secure PSG's approval.

Now, the situation has changed. Since Lee Kang-in's position at PSG has diminished, there is ample room for negotiation if a suitable transfer fee is agreed upon. Estadio Deportivo stated, "Arsenal is knocking on the door. They will welcome Lee Kang-in's arrival starting next season. Arsenal will have no difficulties bringing Lee Kang-in at the price PSG desires. This will be a special request from Arteta."

Lee Kang-in has also dropped hints about a transfer. On the 6th, he deleted the PSG team name from his Instagram bio. This interpretation among fans suggests that Lee Kang-in, recently embroiled in transfer rumors, has left another hint about a move. In fact, he had also erased the team name of Mallorca on Instagram before leaving for PSG.

Arsenal aims to strengthen their frontline attackers and secondary resources this summer. Captain Martin Ødegaard is struggling, and Gabriel Martinelli and Leonardo Trossard are not meeting expectations. With sharp kicks, creative passing ability, and de-pressing skills, Lee Kang-in could become a strong competitor.

Curt Offside also recommended Lee Kang-in's acquisition to Arsenal. The outlet stated, "It is no secret that Arsenal needs to add more talent and squad depth to their attack. Lee Kang-in can play on both flanks and will add scoring and creativity to the team. His ability to face defenders and win one-on-one battles will bring unpredictability to Arsenal's attack."

The outlet continued, "Lee Kang-in has recorded 6 goals and 6 assists this season. He will undoubtedly keep developing through coaching and experience. He can grow into a top-class player at Arsenal," adding, "Arsenal needs a versatile attacker who can handle multiple offensive roles like Lee Kang-in. Martinelli and Saka have not had enough rest due to depth issues."

For Lee Kang-in, Arsenal, which aims for the Premier League title, is an appealing option. Curt Offside emphasized, "Lee Kang-in needs more playing time. If he can be promised enough time, he will be attracted to the possibility of joining Arsenal. There is no doubt that he possesses the physical and technical attributes to perform well in English football. Coach Enrique also described him as a wonderful player," adding, "Arsenal will be able to develop Lee Kang-in into a star next season."

Lee Kang-in's versatility, de-pressing ability, and creativity seem to align well with coach Arteta's philosophy. In fact, he has taken on various roles, including winger, central midfielder, false nine, and defensive midfielder, under coach Enrique. Coach Arteta also demonstrates flexibility in player utilization by using Kai Havertz, who has a goal-scoring weakness, as a central striker or transitioning midfielder Mikel Merino into a striker.

Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in is challenging for the first 'treble' in the club's history with PSG this season. PSG has already secured the Ligue 1 title and reached the finals of the UCL and Coupe de France. On the 25th, they will compete against Stade Reims for the Coupe de France title before facing Inter Milan in a single match to determine the owner of the 'Big Ears (UCL trophy)' on the 1st of next month.

However, it is uncertain whether Lee Kang-in will be able to participate in the glory stage of the UCL final. He lost his place to the extent that he did not play a single minute in the UCL semi-finals 1st and 2nd legs. His only appearance in the quarter-finals against Liverpool was for a few minutes at the end of extra time in the second leg. Unless coach Enrique prepares a surprise card, there is a significant possibility that Lee Kang-in will not get an opportunity.

If Lee Kang-in plays even a second, he would become the third Korean player to participate in a UCL final, following Park Ji-sung and Son Heung-min. So far, they are the only two players across Asia who have graced a UCL final stage. In this final, Lee Kang-in and Iran's forward Mehdi Taremi (Inter Milan) are dreaming of stepping onto the pitch.

If Lee Kang-in is overlooked in the final as well, the possibility of his transfer this summer will increase. Estadio Deportivo noted, "Lee Kang-in, who grew up in the Valencia youth system, made his first-team debut on January 1, 2019. He played 62 matches before joining Mallorca on a free transfer. At Mallorca, he recorded 73 matches, 7 goals, and 10 assists over two seasons. This summer will add a new destination to Lee Kang-in's career," expressing confidence in his transfer.

[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized redistribution prohibited), 365 Scores, World of Football, Now Arsenal, PSG, Lee Kang-in's social media.

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