Arsenal target key PSG star in surprise January swoop

Tom Weber

Updated: 7 Jan 2025 07:33 CST
4 min read

Arsenal have taken a liking to Paris Saint-Germain star Lee Kang-in, who is looking for a new challenge, according to a report.

The South Korea international has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons. Lee has been playing in Europe since he was a teenager, joining Valencia and breaking several age-related records before moving to Mallorca after seeing his career stagnate.

Article continues under the video

Following two standout campaigns with the LaLiga side, PSG snapped him up for €22 million in the summer of 2023, with the 23-year-old quickly establishing himself as a crucial part of Luis Enrique's new-look side.

An incredibly versatile, attack-minded midfielder, Lee finished his first season in Paris with five goals and five assists to his name. This term, he has already bettered this goal tally with six, although he so far only notched two assists.

He remains a key player for Enrique, but he is not always a guaranteed starter and it seems that this is a bit of a problem.

Arsenal eye Lee

At least that is according to The Athletic, which reports that Lee is ready for a new challenge and could emerge as a target for Arsenal. However, a move to north London wouldn't be straightforward, especially this month.

PSG don't want to sell and would, it is claimed, demand at least double what they paid for him in 2023, which is considered a potential stumbling block for Arsenal. The Gunners would only be willing to spend big this month if one of their top targets became available.

However, it is not shocking that Lee has appeared on Arsenal's radar. FootballTransfers exclusively revealed on Monday that they are interested in Jobe Bellingham as they are determined to add a versatile, dynamic and, preferably, young midfielder to their ranks.

Lee is a similar profile to Bellingham, albeit a few years older, and could be a viable alternative should the teenager feel that a move to a medium-sized club would be better for his long-term development and prospects of playing time.

Interest in Lee is also nothing new as far as PSG are concerned, who have shown themselves willing to make big calls to keep him at the club. In the summer, Napoli wanted to include him in a deal for Victor Osimhen, but PSG's reluctance to lose him saw them walk away from the talks.