SSC Napoli has begun contact with Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) as part of its efforts to strengthen the wing attack.
Italian outlet 'Calcio Napoli' reported on the 28th (Korea time) that "SSC Napoli has initiated contact with South Korean national team player Lee Kang-in."
SSC Napoli, led by coach Antonio Conte, aims to secure its fourth Scudetto in club history by winning the Serie A title for the 2024-2025 season, surpassing AS Roma in the ranking of most league championships. Although the team finished a successful season, the joy was short-lived as they immediately began preparations for the next season.
Previously, on the 26th, 'Area Napoli' reported, citing the Italian daily 'La Repubblica,' that "Giovanni Manna, the Director General, is closely monitoring two players as part of the team's top priority to acquire a wing attacker."
The media explained, "Napoli has not been able to fill that spot since Khvicha Kvaratskhelia left in the January transfer market. Now, Napoli is ready to strengthen its wing attack with a level that matches its new status."
The player identified as Khvicha's replacement is none other than Lee Kang-in. Prior to the report from Calcio Napoli, on the 28th, 'Area Napoli' noted, "Napoli is once again turning its attention to Asian talent. They hope to replicate the media effect from the signing of Kim Min-jae, and this time are focusing on South Korean Lee Kang-in, who is with Paris Saint-Germain."
Lee Kang-in's contract with Paris Saint-Germain is valid until 2028, but he has remained at a salary level of 2 million euros (about 3.1 billion won), indicating a desire for a higher compensation.
Citing a report from 'Sport Mediaset,' Area Napoli stated, "Napoli's new Director General Giovanni Manna has already started contact with Lee Kang-in's camp," adding, "They are exploring the possibility of him playing in Italy next season."
Calcio Napoli reported, "Giovanni Manna is carefully watching for any opportunities that may arise in the international transfer market. One of these involves Paris Saint-Germain, as it relates to Lee Kang-in, who has not yet renewed his contract with the French club and has started seeking a new career since this summer."
It was also explained, "Napoli has begun contact with South Korean national team player Lee Kang-in. He is a non-EU player and will occupy one of the two foreign slots. This is according to a report from 'Calciomercato.com.' Kosovo national team player Edon Zhegrova, who is with Ligue 1's Lille OSC, is also still a target for acquisition, and contact has been ongoing in recent months."
Meanwhile, Napoli is preparing for a massive investment in this summer's transfer market. With recent rumors regarding the signing of Kevin De Bruyne, President Aurelio De Laurentiis has shown a strong will to build a competitive team ahead of the Champions League return.
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