Bayern Munich are reportedly unwilling to sell Kim Min-jae during the January transfer window unless they first secure a suitable replacement, dealing a potential blow to Arsenal’s pursuit of the defender.
Arsenal have identified the South Korea international as a possible defensive reinforcement following injury concerns surrounding Piero Hincapie.
German journalist Christian Falk reported earlier this month that Kim is officially on the Gunners’ list of potential January targets.
The interest is partly being driven by Arsenal scouting chief Maurizio Micheli, who previously helped identify Kim before the defender joined Napoli.
However, reports from Italy now suggest Bayern are not actively seeking to sell the 29-year-old.
Kompany wants Kim to stay at Bayern
According to Italian outlet TuttoJuve, Bayern manager Vincent Kompany continues to trust Kim and considers him an important member of his defensive options.
Kompany would therefore be reluctant to approve a January departure unless Bayern were certain they could sign an adequate replacement.
Kim’s recent involvement supports suggestions that he remains part of the manager’s plans. He started alongside Dayot Upamecano during Bayern’s 6-1 Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday, with Jonathan Tah dropping to the bench.
The former Napoli defender has also reportedly shown no desire to force his way out of the Allianz Arena.
Kim remains under contract with Bayern until June 2028, leaving the Bundesliga champions in a strong negotiating position should Arsenal make an approach.
Arsenal face competition for Kim
Arsenal are not the only major European club monitoring Kim’s situation.
AC Milan and Juventus have both been credited with an interest in bringing him back to Serie A, where he previously starred for Napoli during their 2022/23 title-winning campaign.
Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have also previously been linked with the centre-back.
Despite the speculation, there is no indication that Arsenal or any of Kim’s other suitors have submitted a formal offer.
Bayern’s reported position does not completely rule out a transfer, but it makes a January agreement significantly more difficult.
Arsenal would likely need to present an attractive offer while also hoping that Bayern can identify a replacement before the winter window closes.
For now, Kim appears set to remain in Munich as Kompany continues to use him as part of his defensive rotation.
