Is it impossible to see Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) playing in an Arsenal uniform? His name was not on the list of Arsenal's summer signings that appeared locally in England.

The British 'Mirror' reported on the 9th (Korea time) that "Arsenal aims for four 'major signings' as part of a massive summer overhaul. They plan to concentrate on the summer transfer market after failing to reach the Champions League final following their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Arsenal has confirmed that they will go trophyless this season as well. In the Premier League, they lost the title to Liverpool, who have a new manager, Arne Slot. In the UEFA Champions League (UCL), they were eliminated in the semifinals, unable to overcome the barrier posed by PSG. They have also been out of the League Cup and FA Cup for a long time.

While manager Mikel Arteta is challenging for titles every season, Arsenal has been coming up just short. Having been trophyless for five consecutive seasons, it is time for change. In particular, they need reinforcements in the frontline and midfield, as captain Martin Ødegaard has not been living up to expectations.

According to the Mirror, Arsenal dreams of signing up to four major players. This is a reliable report from journalist John Cross, who is well-versed in Arsenal news. The top priority for a striker is Newcastle's Alexander Isak, but Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting) and Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig) are more realistic options.

In midfield, the signing of defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi is already confirmed. Zubimendi is considered a top-level talent in La Liga. He is a six-number midfielder with excellent defensive skills and great passing ability. Arsenal has already reached a personal agreement with Zubimendi and will soon activate his buyout clause of €60 million (about 94.4 billion won).

Arsenal is also looking for a left-wing attacker. Leandro Trossard may leave the team, and both Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have not performed as expected. According to the Mirror, Arsenal wants Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams.

Additionally, Arsenal needs to strengthen their defense in preparation for the departure of center-backs and full-backs. They are close to signing backup goalkeeper Joan García, but this is not a major signing. In summary, Arsenal is looking for at least one striker, one left winger, one central midfielder, and one defender.

However, Lee Kang-in's name was absent. If manager Arteta desires a traditional number 9 striker and a speedy winger with penetrative capabilities like Williams, as well as a defensively sound central midfielder like Zubimendi, then Lee Kang-in does not fit the bill. He has exhibited versatility at PSG, playing various roles from 'false 9' to right and left winger to defensive midfielder, but his most suitable positions are right winger or attacking midfielder.

Lee Kang-in also does not appear on Arsenal's summer transfer market list, as mentioned by 'BBC.' The media similarly referenced Isak, Šeško, Gyökeres, Zubimendi, Williams, and García.

The name of Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund) has been newly added in the winger position, but not Lee Kang-in. BBC reported that "Arsenal, which is seeking to sign a winger, sees Williams as the true target. Gittens is also being highly regarded."

The atmosphere is quite different from last winter. At that time, reports from 'The Athletic' suggested that Arsenal was considering signing Lee Kang-in, and inquiries had actually ensued. However, PSG rejected all offers, which led to no deal. Now, as the summer transfer window approaches with the season ending, more options are available, and it appears that manager Arteta has turned his gaze away from Lee Kang-in.

Lee Kang-in is likely to part ways with PSG this summer. The Spanish 'Estadio Deportivo' reported that "PSG has completed preparations to part ways with Lee Kang-in. PSG has allowed his transfer while preparing for next season. Arsenal is showing interest in him, and his transfer fee has already been set."

Furthermore, the influential French outlet 'L'Équipe' has echoed similar sentiments. The media stated that "Lee Kang-in wants more playing time. In particular, he seeks opportunities in crucial matches. However, he is maintaining silence as the team keeps winning. Both sides plan to discuss the future after the season," and added, "Now PSG is also open to selling Lee Kang-in."

The primary reason is, of course, the drastic reduction in his playing time. Since the winter transfer window, Lee Kang-in's standing has diminished. Although he has played in multiple positions, he has failed to secure a fixed role, falling into a rotational player status. In fact, he has been on the bench during the most important UCL matches.

Lee Kang-in also dropped hints about his potential transfer. On the 6th, he erased the PSG team name from his Instagram bio. This has led to interpretations among fans that Lee Kang-in, who has been rumored for a transfer, may have left another hint. Indeed, during his time at Mallorca, he also removed the Mallorca team name from his Instagram before leaving for PSG.

The most likely destination is the Premier League. Besides Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur are all linked to him. Additionally, Lee Kang-in's agent, Javier Garrido, visited England last month to meet with Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Everton, fueling the speculation.

Among them, Arsenal is the club most strongly linked to Lee Kang-in. Estadio Deportivo reported that "Arsenal is knocking on the door. They will welcome Lee Kang-in's arrival next season. Arsenal will have no trouble signing Lee Kang-in at the amount PSG desires. This will be a special request from Arteta."

The British 'Caught Offside' also recommended Lee Kang-in to Arsenal. The outlet claimed, "Lee Kang-in can play on both flanks and will add scoring and creativity to the wings. His ability to challenge defenders and win one-on-one battles will contribute unpredictability to Arsenal's attack," and stated, "Lee Kang-in can develop into a top-class player at Arsenal. Arsenal needs a versatile attacker who can perform multiple roles like him."

However, if Arsenal has indeed turned their eyes away from Lee Kang-in, as reported by BBC and the Mirror, their plans could be derailed. No more concrete discussions are emerging with Manchester United and Newcastle. Rumors have also surfaced that Napoli wants Lee Kang-in once again, but this is still uncertain. However, Arsenal also plans to sign an additional midfielder if Jorginho departs the team, so possibilities cannot be entirely ruled out.

[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), The Sun, 365 Scores, Arsenal Now social media.

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