Arsenal are considering a surprise January move for Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae as they look to address defensive gaps in their squad.
Manager Mikel Arteta is dealing with several injury concerns, most notably William Saliba, who has not played this season after being injured at the World Cup. Piero Hincapie is also expected to miss several weeks with an ankle injury, prompting the Premier League champions to search for potential replacements despite their squad depth.
Kim Min-jae's situation at Bayern
Kim has emerged as a target, with German outlet Bild reporting he is close to leaving Bayern in search of a new challenge. Arsenal's interest is reportedly driven by Maurizio Micheli, Kim's former mentor at Napoli, who now works as the Gunners' head of scouting.
Kim joined Bayern from Napoli for £43.5 million in 2023, a move that made him the most expensive Asian footballer in history. He has made 122 appearances and won multiple honours, but injury problems and intense competition for places have seen him fall down the pecking order.
Competition for places and potential departures
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany currently prefers Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah ahead of the South Korean, who has played just two Bundesliga games this season. Bayern are open to selling both Kim and Alphonso Davies, another player linked with a departure, to raise funds for January additions.
Arsenal signed Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa during the summer, and he can play in several positions. Still, Arteta is keen to consider new arrivals in the New Year. Ben White and Jurrien Timber are also versatile options for the Gunners, performing well centrally or on the flanks.
Arsenal's ambitions
The Gunners are aiming to defend their Premier League title and push for European success after losing in last season's Champions League final.
