Arsenal are considering a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking midfielder Lee Kang-in, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options in the January transfer window after Bukayo Saka underwent surgery on his injured hamstring last month.
Arsenal already retain a strong interest in Nico Williams, who was one of Spain’s standout performers at Euro 2024 last summer, but the €58 million (£48.1m) release clause as well as the high salary in his deal with Athletic Bilbao makes it difficult for the Gunners to make a move this month.
Lee, meanwhile, has scored six goals for PSG this season and the South Korea international offers a versatile option in Luis Enrique’s attack with his ability to play in multiple positions across the front line.
According to The Athletic, Lee is open to leaving PSG and is currently ‘considering his options’, despite appearing in all of his side’s Ligue 1 and Champions League matches this term.
The report claims that Arsenal have discussed Lee as a potential signing this month but the Premier League club would not be prepared to meet PSG’s asking price, which is expected to be at least €44m (£36.5m).
Arsenal, however, would be more willing to work on a loan deal with an option to buy if PSG were open to such a proposal.
PSG signed Lee from Spanish side Mallorca for €22m (£18.8m) in July 2023.
Elsewhere, PSG are expected to offload Randal Kolo Muani this month as he has been unable to secure a role under Luis Enrique.
The 26-year-old, who was signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for €75m (£64.2m) plus €15m (£12.2m) in add-ons in September 2023, has started just two games for PSG this season.
The France international, who is another versatile attacking option, has been offered to several Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United.
Reports this week have claimed that United and Spurs are currently considered leading contenders to sign the PSG attacker.
Speaking during the international break in November, Kolo Muani had insisted that he wanted to fight for his place under Luis Enrique at PSG.
‘You have to keep your mental strength up, it’s up to me to continue working so that the coach trusts me. It’s part of my history. I’ve always worked, I’ve never had things easy,’ he told Telefoot.
‘I have to work harder, make an impression when he calls on me. It’s up to me to give my all so that he trusts me.’
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