As Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) gears up for a crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Arsenal, all eyes are on Lee Kang-in, whose participation remains uncertain. The second leg of the tie is set to take place on May 8, 2025, at 4:00 AM Korean time at the iconic Parc des Princes in Paris. In the first leg, PSG secured a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Ousmane Dembélé, and now they are looking to capitalize on their home advantage to secure a spot in the finals.
Coach Luis Enrique expressed confidence in his squad, stating, "The passion of the home fans will be a decisive force," and emphasized their readiness to overcome Arsenal, just as they did against Liverpool and Aston Villa in previous rounds. Dembélé, who had been nursing an injury, is expected to feature in the match, adding to PSG's attacking options.
However, the situation surrounding Lee Kang-in is increasingly complex. On May 6, just days before the critical match, he sparked speculation of a potential exit from PSG by removing the club's name from his social media profiles. This move, coupled with ongoing transfer rumors linking him to several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Crystal Palace, has raised eyebrows. The timing of this change in his profile is particularly notable given the backdrop of the upcoming match against Arsenal.
Lee's recent performance also adds to the intrigue. He started in the away match against Strasbourg on May 4, 2025, but his appearance was cut short due to a thigh injury, leading to his substitution at halftime. Although Enrique has praised Lee's tactical versatility, deploying him in various roles such as winger, central midfielder, and false nine, his playing time has been limited this season, leaving him dissatisfied. Reports indicate that PSG is willing to negotiate his transfer for around 20 million euros (approximately 31.8 billion won), a reduction from the 22 million euros they originally paid.
As the match against Arsenal approaches, Lee's condition remains a focal point. After the Strasbourg game, Enrique commented on Lee's injury, stating, "Lee Kang-in suffered a big blow to his thigh. I don't think it's a serious injury." Yet, French media have reported that he did not participate in team training following the match, and PSG's medical staff plans to monitor his recovery closely over the next 48 hours. A definitive decision on his involvement in the Arsenal game will be made based on further assessments during the final training session.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Lee's fitness, the atmosphere within PSG is charged with anticipation. The team is keen to build on their first leg success and capitalize on the support of their home fans. Enrique has strategically rested key players in the lead-up to this match, aiming to field a fresh and competitive lineup.
Arsenal, on the other hand, is also preparing diligently for the encounter. The Gunners have shown persistent interest in signing Lee Kang-in, with coach Mikel Arteta previously expressing his desire to bring the talented midfielder to London. Reports suggest that Arsenal's new director, Berta, is actively working to secure a place for Lee in the squad, especially as they eye upcoming pre-season fixtures in Asia.
As the Champions League quarter-finals unfold, both PSG and Arsenal are not only battling for a place in the final but also potentially engaging in transfer negotiations that could shape their squads for the next season. The stakes are high, and with Lee Kang-in's future hanging in the balance, this match promises to be pivotal not just for the teams involved, but for the players' careers as well.
As it stands, Lee's chances of starting against Arsenal appear slim. He has not started a single match in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 this season, and with the added pressure of transfer rumors, the upcoming match could serve as a critical juncture in his career. PSG hopes to make a decisive statement in front of their home crowd, while Arsenal looks to exploit any weaknesses in PSG's lineup.
The narrative surrounding Lee Kang-in adds an extra layer of drama to this already intense rivalry. Fans will be watching closely to see whether he takes to the pitch or if this match marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. As both teams prepare for what promises to be an electrifying encounter, the football world waits with bated breath.
In conclusion, the clash between PSG and Arsenal is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, with the potential for significant implications both on and off the pitch. As the teams finalize their preparations, all eyes will be on Lee Kang-in and whether he will be part of the action or if he will be taking the next steps in his career elsewhere.
