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It is currently unclear whether Arsenal will target Lee Kang-in in the upcoming summer transfer market.
Currently, Lee Kang-in's future at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is very uncertain. In the first half of the season, Lee Kang-in secured an advantage in the main competition than last season. Lee Kang-in showed very good performance as a central midfielder, right wing forward and even a fake striker. Lee Kang-in scored six goals and six assists in 23 rounds of the league, leaving only one offensive point to his career high.
However, Lee Kang-in's position rapidly froze from the time Khvicha Kvaratshelia was recruited. Desiree Du, who joined PSG in the transfer market last summer, also rapidly grew and pushed out Lee Kang-in. PSG coach Luis Enrique also did not appoint Lee Kang-in.
PSG advanced to the European Champions League (UCL) final for the second time in the club's history this season. Until the round of 16 playoffs, Lee Kang-in played in all games, but only 16 minutes were played during six games from the round of 16 to the semifinals. Even that, he played in extra time in the second round of the round of 16 against Liverpool. All other games were spent only on the bench, but they had no choice but to enjoy the bittersweet joy.
PSG is also expected to change its position on Lee Kang-in. In the transfer market last winter, Lee Kang-in received the attention of several Premier League (EPL) clubs. In particular, Arsenal set Lee Kang-in as a target for the transfer market. At that time, PSG's position was that it would never sell, but Lee Kang-in seems to have changed his mind as he was pushed out of the starting lineup.
L'Equipe, a leading French media outlet, said on the 3rd (Korean time) 'Lee Kang-in and the club will discuss the situation after the end of the season. PSG has already rejected Arsenal's interest once, and if the club does not allow the transfer, Lee Kang-in, who has a contract remaining until 2028, is likely to stay. On the other hand, if the club goes on sale, he can consider new options. As PSG hired Lee Kang-in for 22 million euros (about 34.4 billion won) two years ago, it wants an appropriate amount when selling it and does not consider disposing of it at a low price.
If PSG had intended to keep Lee Kang-in unconditionally, there would have been no talk of trying to sell or wanting an appropriate transfer fee. Lee Kang-in is also found to be dissatisfied with the playing time. This is because he has not started in major games in the second half of the season from last season to this season. Of course, a player would want to play on the big stage, but it is difficult for Lee Kang-in to have a big experience with his current position.
Rumors of a transfer are burning in earnest as the PSG has been deleted from Lee Kang-in's SNS profile. If Lee Kang-in comes up for sale, he will certainly be interested. Arsenal have set Lee Kang-in as their target, and Manchester United and Newcastle United are also constantly interested in Lee Kang-in.
However, it is currently unclear whether interest will lead to a direct proposal. The BBC said on the 8th that Arsenal's plans for the upcoming summer transfer market are going forward. All specific targets were mentioned.
First, the position Arsenal wanted to reinforce the most was the striker. This is because Arsenal have suffered a lot this season due to the lack of a reliable professional striker. Arsenal are understood to be considering Alexander Isaac, Benjamin Seschko and Victor Jockeres.
The reinforcement of winger resources may change depending on Leandro Trossar's future, but Lee Kang-in's name was not mentioned at all. If Trossar leaves, Arsenal are expected to target Spain international Nico Williams or Borussia Dortmund prospect Jamie Gittens.
Lee Kang-in's name could not be found even in the change in the midfield. With Jorginho leaving, Arsenal plan to bring in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Subimendi. Negotiations are already considered to be very advanced. I'm also trying to renew my contract with Thomas Partey. It is very unclear whether Lee Kang-in is really a target for Arsenal in the upcoming summer transfer market.
If it is not Arsenal's target, Manchester United or Newcastle should move, but Manchester United and Newcastle are very quiet. Manchester United is trying to reinforce its second-line resources, but Lee Kang-in has not been mentioned at all in the leading media. The same is true of Newcastle.
I don't know how much PSG has set for Lee Kang-in, but if you want more than twice as much, it's only EPL clubs or other European big clubs. However, it is unclear whether they will try to invest a lot of money for Lee Kang-in.
Reporter Kim Dae-sik rlaeotlr2024@sportschosun.com
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
