Andrea Berta to open negotiations with PSG over Arsenal target after semi-final clash

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Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing out-of-favour Paris Saint-Germain forward Lee Kang-In, with newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta pushing for the deal ahead of the summer transfer window.

Lee joined PSG from La Liga side Mallorca in 2023 amid high expectations following two impressive seasons in Spain. However, the 24-year-old South Korea international has struggled to cement a regular place in Luis Enrique’s starting XI, making just 11 of his 29 Ligue 1 appearances from the bench this season. PSG now consider him surplus to requirements and are actively seeking to offload him.

According to The Sun, Berta remains a strong admirer of Lee, having previously tried to bring him to Atlético Madrid before the player opted for a move to Paris. Berta is now keen to reunite with the versatile attacker and is expected to encourage Mikel Arteta to make room for him in Arsenal’s squad. Lee can operate as an attacking midfielder, on either flank, or even as a false nine — versatility that could appeal to Arteta’s tactical setup.

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PSG are hoping to recoup most of the £18.7 million they paid for Lee and will not entertain offers below £17 million. Given the French champions’ eagerness to move the player on, reports suggest a deal could be struck quickly if Arsenal step up their interest in the coming weeks.

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Despite his limited minutes, Lee remains under contract at the Parc des Princes until 2028. He was handed a rare start in PSG’s 2-1 defeat to Strasbourg last weekend but was forced off at halftime with a shin injury, casting doubt on his availability for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal.

However, the attacker has since returned to training, though a final decision on his involvement will be made closer to kickoff. PSG boss Luis Enrique did offer a boost elsewhere, confirming that winger Ousmane Dembélé, who scored the winner in the first leg at the Emirates, is fit to feature after recovering from a hamstring issue.

“He has been training with the squad for two days. He will be available,” Enrique told reporters on Tuesday.

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