London giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are scouting Fenerbahce centre-back Kim Min-jae, with a summer approach likely on the cards.
According to Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda, there is significant interest from Premier League clubs in South Korean defender Kim Min-jae. The Fenerbahce star had scouts from London giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham watching him in action recently against Trabzonspor, suggesting a summer approach could be on the cards.
Kim Min-jae has become an important player for Fenerbahce, who could be open to a sale if reasonable offers come their way. The South Korean’s consistent displays have made a case for him to take the next step in his club career, and a move to the Premier League would certainly be that.
Pedro Sepulveda says the three clubs showing interest are all from London. Arsenal and Mikel Arteta could be forced to enter the market for a new centre-back if Rob Holding departs the club. Currently the third choice behind Gabriel and Ben White, the English defender could be pushed further down the pecking order with the return of William Saliba next season.
Holding has shown enough capabilities in the Premier League and could suit many current sides in the top division. However, Arsenal may not be willing to spend a significant amount on recruiting a centre-back considering the backline is more than secure. So, the Gunners could likely be keeping tabs on Kim Min-jae as part of the scouting program, with a move dependent on any departures in the summer.
Kim Min Jae em destaque no jogo entre o Fenerbahce e o Trabzonspor. FC Porto, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal e Juventus estiveram na Turquia a observar o central de 25 anos. Jogador agrada a Sérgio Conceição que vai ficar sem Mbemba na próxima época. ??⏳ pic.twitter.com/fPtdWjwZp2
— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) March 7, 2022
Meanwhile, there is Chelsea, who could be a realistic contender for the South Korean. With the Blues set to lose three of their current first-choice centre-backs in Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, there is a serious need to bring fresh central defenders in the summer.
Kim Min-jae could be considered a direct replacement for Christensen, who is closing in on joining Barcelona. Alternatively, Thomas Tuchel could consider the South Korean a high-quality backup to other primary targets for the position, such as Jules Kounde, who remains high on their agenda.
Tottenham could also be eyeing the South Korean as there is a need for central defensive reinforcements, with Joe Rodon seeking an exit in the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old certainly has the robustness and physicality to challenge the likes of Eric Dier and Ben Davies and form a key part of Antonio Conte’s three-man backline.
Kim Min-jae has a contract with Fenerbahce until 2025, which means they can demand a sizeable fee for their player. It remains to be seen where the South Korean plays next season, as there is interest from FC Porto and Juventus as well.
