The 'Italian champion' Napoli wishes to acquire Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain).
Italy's 'Area Napoli' reported on the 30th (Korea time) that "Napoli is 'crazy' about Lee Kang-in. Giovanni Manna, Napoli's sports director, is deeply impressed by Lee's skills, currently playing for PSG."
The media explained that "Director Manna is working hard to strengthen the Napoli squad ahead of next season. Considering the dedication of many players and the high expectations fans have for manager Antonio Conte and his team, it seems likely to be a very challenging season."
Additionally, Area Napoli quoted 'Gazzetta dello Sport' stating, "Napoli is actively participating in the transfer market and is working hard to strengthen the squad for next season. They are showing strong interest in striker Lee Kang-in, who is playing for PSG," adding that "Director Manna has a special affection for the 24-year-old Lee. He is struggling to get a breath under monstrous competition at PSG."
The media noted, "Lee Kang-in's market value is around €30 million (approximately 47 billion won), but he fits the criteria set by Aurelio De Laurentiis, the president of Napoli. He could strengthen Napoli's attacking lineup," adding that "Director Manna may push to acquire this outstanding player in the coming days."
Lee Kang-in is likely to part ways with PSG this summer. Matteo Moreto of Spain's 'Relevo' recently reported that "the contract negotiations between Lee Kang-in and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have hit a stalemate. He could become one of the star players in the summer transfer market."
Moreto also explained, "Several clubs are closely monitoring Lee Kang-in's situation. However, no club has reached a final agreement with PSG so far. Napoli, Premier League clubs, Spanish clubs, and clubs from Saudi Arabia are all showing interest in him."
Moreto is one of the most reputable journalists in Spain. He has shown affection for Lee Kang-in multiple times in the past during his coverage of Mallorca. In the 2022-2023 season, he attracted significant attention for being the first to report transfer rumors surrounding Lee.
Spain's 'Estadio Deportivo' also reported, "Preparations to part ways with Lee Kang-in have been completed. PSG has allowed Lee's transfer while preparing for next season. Arsenal is interested in him, and his asking price has already been established."
The biggest reason is significantly reduced playing time. Lee Kang-in's position has weakened since the winter transfer market. He has played in various positions, relieving some of coach Enrique's concerns, but has failed to establish a solid position and has become a rotation player. In reality, Lee has remained on the bench in the most crucial UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches.
Lee Kang-in has also struggled to get playing time recently. He sat on the bench during the league's final match against Auxerre and did not play a minute in the Coupe de France final against Stade Reims, which shows he has been completely excluded from coach Luis Enrique's plans. As it stands, he is likely to miss the UCL final against Inter Milan on June 1.
Moreover, Lee Kang-in has directly dropped hints about a transfer. Earlier this month, he removed PSG's name from his Instagram bio. This has led fans to speculate that Lee, who has recently been embroiled in transfer rumors, is hinting at another potential transfer. In fact, he had previously removed Mallorca's name from his Instagram before moving to PSG.
Several teams are now showing interest in Lee Kang-in, who is on the transfer market. He is reportedly attracting attention not only from England but also from Italy, Spain, and Saudi Arabian teams.
Turkish transfer market expert Ekrem Konur claimed, "AC Milan, Juventus, and Napoli are keeping an eye on Lee Kang-in's situation. PSG has set Lee's transfer fee at between €40 million (approximately 62.4 billion won) and €50 million (approximately 78 billion won), attracting interest from Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga clubs."
In the Premier League, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Crystal Palace are among the clubs being linked to Lee Kang-in. Arsenal actually pushed to acquire Lee during the last winter transfer window.
In Spain, where Lee Kang-in excelled during his time at Mallorca, names such as Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are being mentioned. Atletico, led by coach Diego Simeone, has previously shown serious interest in acquiring Lee. Villarreal is reportedly considering Lee as a replacement for Alex Baena, who is likely to transfer.
Of these, the team showing the most interest is Napoli. Italy's 'Il Mattino' reported that "Napoli is tracking Lee Kang-in and is ready to launch a decisive offensive," stating, "Lee is a natural left-footed player but mainly plays on the right and cuts inside. He has a contract with PSG until 2028 but may decide to transfer."
Napoli was also linked to Lee Kang-in during the winter transfer market. At that time, as PSG was acquiring Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, Lee's name came up as a potential trade target. However, PSG decided to keep Lee, and the deal never materialized.
Now, the situation is different. Il Mattino also stated, "The situation has completely changed, and the possibility of a transfer is wide open. PSG will not actively block if a reasonable offer comes in. They especially maintain a good relationship with Napoli. Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the president of PSG, has recently completed expensive acquisitions, including Khvicha."
The key point is the transfer fee. Il Mattino estimates, "Lee Kang-in's market value is around €30 million. However, De Laurentiis, the president of Napoli, is looking for considerable discounts. It remains to be seen if negotiations between the clubs will be easy."
[Photo] PSG, Ligue 1, Kicking Clits, Transfermarkt, Lee Kang-in social media.
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