Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) is attracting the attention of European media regarding a potential transfer to Arsenal.
Global sports media ESPN reported on the European transfer market on the 9th (Korean time), featuring Lee Kang-in as the first story. The outlet cited a report from the British 'The Sun' stating, 'Lee Kang-in is consolidating with Arsenal.'
The expected transfer fee is about €20 million (approximately 31.6 billion won).
Arsenal's new director Andrea Bertala previously pushed for the recruitment of Lee Kang-in during his time at Atletico Madrid in 2023. This was thwarted when Lee Kang-in moved to PSG.
The Spanish media 'Estadio Deportivo' also reported on the 4th that 'Arsenal is showing renewed interest in Lee Kang-in and has already set a transfer fee.'
It was further noted that 'Manager Mikel Arteta wants Lee Kang-in directly and has made an official offer to PSG. The transfer may be only a matter of time.'
The clubs monitoring Lee Kang-in are not limited to Arsenal.
Italian 'Tutto Mercato' reported, 'Manchester United and Newcastle United have sent scouts to observe Lee Kang-in. They have already completed initial contact with PSG.' Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, as well as Nottingham Forest, are also said to be interested in Lee Kang-in.
Recently, Lee Kang-in's social media activity has sparked speculation about a transfer. He deleted the 'PSG' phrase from his Instagram profile and has not updated any PSG-related posts for nearly two months. Some fans interpret this as a signal of an imminent transfer.
However, there are opinions suggesting that this is hasty speculation, as other information from South Korea was also deleted.
Lee Kang-in's diminished standing has contributed to the transfer speculation.
He has recently remained on the bench for four consecutive matches from the UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-final first leg to the semi-final second leg. In league matches, his appearances have been more as a substitute than a starter.
French media analyze that Lee Kang-in has been excluded from the plans of manager Luis Enrique.
Manager Enrique has demanded fierce competition among second-line players after sending out key resources like Kylian Mbappé. In the early part of the season, Lee Kang-in made an impressive contribution, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists in the league. However, he fell behind in the competition for starting positions due to subsequent injuries.
PSG will play against Inter Milan in the UCL final at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on June 1. If Lee Kang-in participates in this match, he will become the third South Korean player to play in a Champions League final, following Park Ji-sung and Son Heung-min.
[Photo] Lee Kang-in. Paris social media account
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