Arsenal, Chelsea & Tottenham Lock Horns For A Young Defender

Several London clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham, are keeping an eye on Fenerbahce center-back Kim Min-jae, with an approach expected in the summer.

Premier League teams are reportedly showing strong interest in South Korean defender Kim Min-jae, according to journalist Pedro Sepulveda. Several scouts from Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham were in attendance to observe the Fenerbahce star in action against Trabzonspor recently. Thus, hinting that a summer approach may be on the cards.

Kim Min-Jae has developed into an important player for Fenerbahce. They may be willing to sell him if they get a suitable offer. South Korean’s regular performances have paved the way for him to take the next step in his club career. A transfer to the Premier League would undoubtedly be that step in the right direction.

Arsenal and their Interest:

According to Pedro Sepulveda, the three teams that have shown an interest are all based in London. If Arsenal loses Rob Holding to a free transfer, Mikel Arteta and the club may have to look for a replacement centre-back. With the return of William Saliba to the team next season, the English defender, who is now the third choice behind Gabriel and Ben White, might be pushed even lower down the pecking order.

Holding has shown sufficient ability in the Premier League. He may serve as a good fit for several of the current teams in the top tier. In contrast, Arsenal may not be prepared to spend a big amount of money on acquiring a centre-back. This is because their current backline is more than adequately protected. Consequently, the Gunners might be keeping an eye on Kim Min-jae as part of their scouting programme, with a potential deal contingent on any departures from the squad over the summer.

Chelsea and their Interest:

Meanwhile, there’s Chelsea, who may be a legitimate competitor for the South Korean’s signature. They are on the brink of losing three of its current first-choice centre-backs. They are Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Andreas Christenson this summer. Chelsea will be in desperate need of bringing in new central defenders during the summer transfer window.

In the case of Christensen, who is closing in on a transfer to Barcelona, Kim Min-jae may come as a straight replacement for the Danish defender. Thomas Tuchel might also consider the South Korean as a high-quality backup to other key candidates for the role, such as Jules Kounde, who remains high on their priority list.

Tottenham and their Interest:

Tottenham, on the other hand, maybe looking to sign the South Korean due to a need for central defence reinforcements. Joe Rodon is expected to leave the club during the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old undoubtedly has the strength and toughness to compete with the likes of Eric Dier and Ben Davies. He will be an important member of Antonio Conte’s three-man defensive unit.

Kim Min-jae is under contract with Fenerbahce until 2025. It means the Turkish club has the right to demand a significant sum of money for its star. It is yet unclear where the South Korean will play next season. Both FC Porto and Juventus have shown an interest in signing the player.