Arsenal plotting move for defender from UEFA Champions League competitors: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly contemplating signing Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae when the transfer window reopens in January. The 29-year-old has been at the Allianz Arena since arriving from SSC Napoli in the summer of 2023.
Min-jae has played 122 times across competitions for the Bavarian giants, contributing five goals and three assists. He's coming off a decent 2025-26 campaign, scoring once and assisting once in 37 games across competitions.
Both goal contributions came in the Bundesliga, which Vincent Kompany's side won. Having made six appearances across four different competitions for Bayern this season, Min-jae has attracted attention from the Gunners, as per an exclusive by Sport Bild's head of football Christian Falk (viacfbayerninsider).
Expand Tweet Falk said: "It is true: Min-jae Kim is officially on Arsenal's list. It's partly because of the injury to Piero Hincapié.
Also, the scouting chief, Maurizio Micheli, is the same one who discovered the South Korean during his time at Napoli. Now, he works for Arsenal, which is why he has the centre-back on his radar.
They are looking for a potential defensive signing for the winter, so perhaps Kim could be sold with the right offer. We have to see what happens!" Mikel Arteta's side signed Ezri Konsa in the summer, while William Saliba is nearing a return to full fitness.
However, Piero Hincapie's injury could send the Gunners scurrying for more cover in defence, with Min-jae emerging as one of the options. The South Korea international, who's also the subject of interest of Premier League clubsAston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, finds himself behind Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah in the pecking order at Bayern.
He's contracted to the Bavarian giants till 2028. Having won the FA Community Shield, the Gunners are second in the Premier League and have won their opening two UEFA Champions League league phase games.
Mikel Arteta's side trounced LOSC Lille 3-0 at home in midweek, with all three goals at the Emirates coming after the break. Bukayo Saka starred with an assist and a goal off the bench.