Arsenal can use PSG Champions League showdown to help Mikel Arteta push £17m summer transfer

Arsenal are eyeing up a summer transfer move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Lee Kang-in, it has been claimed.

The South Korean, 24, arrived at the Parc des Princes from Mallorca in July 2023 but it hasn't worked out. Although Kang-in has made 80 appearances and won a Ligue 1 title in each of his first two years in Paris, he has dropped down the pecking order and remains as a fringe member in Luis Enrique's squad.

Kang-in has started 18 league matches this season and L'Equipe report he is 'dissatisfied' with his game-time. It is claimed he has indicated that he would like to seek a new team in the summer.

He was an unused substitute for PSG in their Champions League semi-final first leg win at Arsenal last Tuesday. The former Valencia man started their Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg on Saturday but was taken off at half-time after sustaining a shin injury that could keep him out of the second leg.

If Kang-in does feature, Arsenal can have a closer look at him, as the Gunners are considering another move for the versatile player this summer, according to The Sun. Mikel Arteta was said to be interested in January, and new sporting director Andrea Berta is set to encourage him to make room for the South Korean in his squad.

Berta was the catalyst behind a failed bid from Atletico Madrid for Kang-in when he left Mallorca for PSG two years ago. He is a big fan of the Incheon-born ace and the Gunners are expected to make a move.

PSG, meanwhile, want to recoup the £18.7m they paid for him and won't listen to any offers below £17m. The French side aren't opposed to losing Kang-in and a potential transfer could be completed 'quick'.

Enrique has used Kang-in as a winger, central midfielder and false nine this season, viewing him as someone with the tactical awareness to switch into a number of positions. Kang-in's preferred position, however, is as the No.10 and that could suit the Gunners, as they look to provide support for Martin Odegaard, who has endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign.

While Arsenal are looking ahead to the summer window and strengthening their squad, the club's main focus is no doubt on Wednesday's blockbuster Champions League semi-final second leg. The Gunners travel to Paris looking to overturn the 1-0 deficit from the first leg.

Ousmane Dembele scored the winner for Enrique's men at the Emirates Stadium seven days ago.

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