According to The Guardian, Everton have now joined Arsenal in the battle to sign Beijing Guoan defender Kim Min-jae this summer.
It’s claimed that Everton have now registered a ‘firm interest’ in signing Kim. Beijing Guoan allegedly want £13.5million for Kim, and are prepared to sell this summer.
European sides such as RB Leipzig, Lazio, Porto and PSV Eindhoven are thought to be keen too, but Kim’s idea is that he wants to go to England.
Everton are in the market for a centre back this summer, and Kim could fit the bill. The £13.5million price tag is treble what Beijing Guoan paid in 2019, but still represents decent value.
Kim, 24, is nicknamed ‘Monster’, as he is a 6ft 3in centre back with great strength and aerial ability, but also decent pace and ability on the ball; think of him as something of a South Korean Harry Maguire.
Kim may feel that joining South Korean international teammate Son Heung-min in the Premier League is appealing, but Everton won’t have it all their own way.
A Bola claim that Arsenal want to sign Kim too, though it’s unclear just how high he is on the Gunners’ wish list having been linked with a whole host of centre backs.
If Everton want to beat Arsenal to the race, they may have to move quickly. By registering a ‘firm interest’, they’ve taken the first step towards a deal, but there is a long way to go.
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