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Report: Arsenal and Watford want South Korean giant Kim Min-jae
that FC Porto are interested in signing Beijing Guoan colossus Kim Min-jae this summer, but face competition from both Arsenal and Watford.
Kim Min-jae, 23, is regarded as one of the best defensive talents in the Chinese Super League and was a crucial part of the Guoan side that finished in an excellent second in the 2019 campaign.
A 30-time South Korea international, Kim stands at a lofty 6ft 2in and is renowned for his pace at the back and his imposing strength. Indeed, he has been compared to Liverpool giant Virgil van Dijk – due to his physical attributes.
Porto are keen to bring him to Portugal and are intent on using their Asian connections. However, a stumbling block has been discovered – with Guoan wanting as much as £13.5million. Arsenal and Watford are keeping tabs.
TBR’s view – If half as good as van Dijk, Arsenal must consider
Van Dijk has taken defending in the Premier League to a completely new level. Arsenal, meanwhile, are lagging behind in that department as Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis and David Luiz have struggled this season.
The Gunners need a central-back shake-up. Pablo Mari could be signed permanently, but little has been seen of the Spaniard. William Saliba has been excellent in France, but is still young and is not proven in England.
For a defender to be compared to van Dijk is a big claim, but Kim has certainly earned those plaudits. Could he take the step from Chinese football to England? At £13.5million, he is certainly worth the risk.
