It is a choice to grow as a player, literally.

The Italian media 'Area Napoli' reported on the 27th (Korean time) that "there are reports that Napoli is once again targeting Lee Kang-in. Napoli had also attempted to recruit this Korean player during the last winter transfer market. According to rumors, the club was interested in him and requested a trade as part of the transaction involving Khvicha Kvaratskhelia."

The report cited by Area Napoli was by Matteo Moretto from Spain's 'Relevo.' He noted on the same day via social media that "Lee Kang-in's contract negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have reached a deadlock. He could become one of the major star players in the summer transfer market."

Moretto also explained that "several clubs are closely monitoring Lee Kang-in's situation. However, there has been no club that has reached a final agreement with PSG yet. Napoli, a Premier League club, a Spanish club, and a Saudi Arabian club are all showing interest in him."

The reason to pay attention to transfer news from Moretto is that he has delivered multiple exclusive reports on Lee Kang-in. Indeed, he is well-informed about news regarding Atletico Madrid, Mallorca, and others. Ultimately, since the news came from him, Lee Kang-in's exit from PSG is becoming more likely.

As such, it is highly likely that Lee Kang-in will bid farewell to PSG at the end of this season. Previously, Spain's 'Estadio Deportivo' reported that "Lee Kang-in is ready to finish his journey with the club. PSG has allowed his transfer while preparing for next season. Arsenal has shown interest in him, and his value has already been determined."

The biggest reason is the significantly reduced playing time. Since the winter transfer market, Lee Kang-in's role has diminished. He played in various positions and alleviated the coach Enrique's concerns, but he failed to establish a solid position and fell into the role of a rotation player. In reality, Lee Kang-in has only been sitting on the bench in the most crucial UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches.

Lee Kang-in has recently struggled to find playing time. He remained on the bench during the final league match against Auxerre, and he did not play a single minute in the Coupe de France final against Stade Reims, completely excluded from Coach Luis Enrique's plans. If this continues, he is likely to miss the UCL final against Inter Milan on the 1st.

While Khvicha, who moved from Napoli, is impressive, he is struggling to find a place on the field as the new and rapidly growing duo also overshadows him. Nonetheless, he is likely to have a tough time competing even in the mezzala position, which significantly increases the likelihood of him only being on the bench for the final.

From PSG's perspective, it is the prime of their power, but in Lee Kang-in's case, he is in a position that is being pushed out from the starting spot. Given Lee Kang-in's young age, opportunities to play are even more critical. In fact, Lee Kang-in has hinted at a transfer himself. Earlier this month, he removed the PSG team name from his Instagram bio.

As a result, fans are interpreting that Lee Kang-in, who has recently been caught up in a transfer rumor, has left another transfer hint. In fact, he also removed the Mallorca team name from his Instagram back when he left for PSG. PSG is said to want to extend contracts with Lee Kang-in, who can be used as a multi-player. However, they are facing difficulties in negotiations.

For PSG, filled with star players, it is challenging to guarantee Lee Kang-in the playing time he desires, making it difficult to find common ground. Given that his playing time has decreased even more in the second half, remaining at PSG is bound to be a concern for him. This season, he has recorded 45 matches, 6 goals, and 5 assists, but his average playing time is only 53.2 minutes.

The possibility of a transfer is already being mentioned among influential French media such as 'L'Équipe.' Additionally, Moretto has acknowledged the interest from multiple teams, including Napoli. Currently, one of the likely destinations is Napoli. Area Napoli cited a report from the Italian daily 'La Repubblica,' stating that "Giovanni Mannini, the Director General, is keeping an eye on two players for the biggest task of the team, which is to recruit a winger."

Area Napoli stated that "PSG blocked the possibility of sending Lee Kang-in away during the winter transfer market. The situation might have changed now. PSG is not ruling out the possibility of a transfer and it is likely that a transfer could happen in the summer transfer market. Napoli is expected to have to fight against many competitors, but they are interested and monitoring the situation. Lee Kang-in is a player favored by many teams."

"Since the departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the last January transfer market, Napoli has not effectively filled that position. Now, Napoli is prepared to strengthen its squad with a winger that matches their new status," they mentioned Lee Kang-in's name along with Edon Zhegrova (26, LOSC Lille).

'La Repubblica' stated that "Napoli must put in a lot of effort to strengthen their squad. They undeniably need two offensive wingers. Zhegrova, whom they negotiated with last August, and Lee Kang-in, who does not have EU citizenship, are catching attention. Therefore, they must carefully consider whether to use both non-EU quota spots in advance or wait."

According to Serie A regulations, Lee Kang-in is classified as a non-EU quota player. Just as Napoli faced challenges when acquiring Kim Min-jae, utilizing the non-EU quota implies expecting him to perform as a core player and ace for the team. This signifies a high level of expectation.

In addition, Napoli is already ramping up efforts to strengthen their squad by acquiring Kevin De Bruyne. By acquiring Lee Kang-in as well, they aim to solidify their squad. It will be interesting to see what results Lee Kang-in's choice, who dreams of finding playing opportunities and a new beginning, will yield.

[Photo] Lee Kang-in, PSG, Ligue 1 social media.

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