Lee Kang-in (23, Paris Saint-Germain) has been linked to the Premier League team. Rumors of entering the Premier League are rising from the winter transfer market, but the realistic possibility is questionable.
According to a report by global media "The Athletic" on the 8th (Korea time), Lee Kang-in's trip to Arsenal is unlikely to become a reality due to various factors. Paris Saint-Germain considers Lee Kang-in as an important asset and makes it clear that it has no intention of selling him. French leading magazine "Lekif" also shook its head at the rumor of Lee Kang-in's transfer, saying, "Paris Saint-Germain has no intention."
"Lee Kang-in is consistently playing under Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain, but he is considering a new challenge," The Athletic said, shedding light on his possible transfer. Lee Kang-in proved his versatility and aggression this season by scoring six goals in 16 matches in French Ligue 1. He plays not only the right flanker, but also the center midfielder and fake No. 9, showing tactical flexibility within the team.
Arsenal are paying attention to Lee's versatile playing style. "Paris Saint-Germain highly values Lee Kang-in both inside and outside the stadium and considers him a key player in the Asian market," The Athletic said, noting his commercial value. However, the high transfer fee offered by Paris Saint-Germain is not enough to establish a negotiating table.
Paris Saint-Germain paid 22 million euros (about 32 billion won) to recruit Lee Kang-in from Mallorca in the summer of 2023. However, Paris Saint-Germain has doubled the value of Lee Kang-in to 44 million euros (about 64 billion won) 먹튀검증. The amount is quite burdensome for Arsenal, who are also a top-ranked team in the Premier League and are in the competition to win the title.
Paris Saint-Germain highly appreciates the commercial value of Lee Kang-in. Lee Kang-in's presence plays a decisive role in expanding Paris Saint-Germain's influence in the Asian market and means more than just performance. For this reason, Paris Saint-Germain made it clear that it had no intention of selling Lee Kang-in.
This is why "The Athletic" reported that "Paris Saint-Germain will need at least 44 million euros of offers to sit at the negotiating table to sell Lee Kang-in." In addition, from Paris Saint-Germain clubs to Luis Enrique, Lee Kang-in is highly regarded.
Coach Enrique said at a press conference, "Lee Kang-in is a player who can perform outstandingly in many positions. Since joining Paris Saint-Germain, his progress has been noticeable, and he is an important asset of the team," stressing that he is playing an important role in the team. In this situation, it seems unlikely that Paris Saint-Germain will easily give up Lee Kang-in.
With Paris Saint-Germain stating that it will not actively pursue Lee Kang-in's transfer, the realistic option Arsenal can choose is a deal that includes a full transfer clause after loan. The Athletic reported, "If Paris Saint-Germain considers the option of a full transfer after loan, there is a possibility that Arsenal could enter negotiations."
Advancement to the Premier League could be an important turning point in Lee Kang-in's career, but for now, his position in Paris Saint-Germain is likely to be further strengthened. No matter what Lee Kang-in chooses in the future, Lee Kang-in's move is still of great interest to many soccer fans. As Paris Saint-Germain shows a strong will to protect Lee Kang-in, Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, are likely to have to step out of recruiting Lee Kang-in for the time being.