---
title: "Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs are leading the race to sign Beijing Guoan ace Kim Min-jae ahead of Arsenal"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-spurs-are-leading-the-race-to-sign-beijing-guoan-ace-kim-min-jae-ahead-of-arsenal/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Thomas Ward"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2020-06-26T06:30:53Z"
modified: "2020-06-26T06:30:53Z"
---

# Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs are leading the race to sign Beijing Guoan ace Kim Min-jae ahead of Arsenal

**Tottenham Hotspur have been linked to some of [football’s biggest stars](https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/transfer-news/latest-tottenham-transfer-rumours-phillipe-18468947) in recent weeks but nothing has transpired so far.**

Now this could be about to change, as Tottenham have opened talks with [Beijing Guoan](https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/24/c_139164362.htm) for Kim Min-jae.

Spurs are reportedly the front-runners to sign the Imperial Guards defender in the summer and a move seems to have taken one step closer.

According to The Titan Sports, as per [Xinhuanet](https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/24/c_139164362.htm) via [Ricky Sacks](https://twitter.com/RickSpur/status/1276123289296015361), the Lilywhites are favourites to win the race to sign Kim, amid interest from [Arsenal](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-transfer-rumours/tottenham-lead-kim-min-jae-transfer-race-son/), [Southampton and Inter Milan](https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/24/c_139164362.htm).

The report claims Son Heung-min’s influence could be decisive as the two South Koreans are international teammates.

Kim, who is affectionately known as ‘[Monster](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-transfer-rumours/tottenham-lead-kim-min-jae-transfer-race-son/)‘, has earned 30 caps for his country and scored [three goals](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/min-jae-kim/profil/spieler/503482) so far. The 23-year-old collected a gold medal with his compatriot at the 2018 Asian Games and was rewarded with [military privileges](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-transfer-rumours/tottenham-lead-kim-min-jae-transfer-race-son/) upon his return.

[\[freshpress-poll id=”306455″\]](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/[freshpress-poll%20id=%22306455%22])

Tottenham have conceded more goals than Chelsea, Manchester City and leaders Liverpool in the [Premier League](https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/clubs/goals_conceded) this season.

Coupled with the fact [Spurs](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11675/11830166/mauricio-pochettinos-tottenham-an-ageing-team-that-is-not-pressing) have had to cope with an ageing defence, this is a major cause for concern.

However, Kim could end up solving all of their problems.

While Jan [Vertonghen and Toby Vertonghen](https://talksport.com/football/677558/centre-back-tottenham-jose-mourinho-transfer-target-summer-koulibaly-maguire/) have been criticised for their fragile performances, the South Korean stands at [1,90m](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/min-jae-kim/profil/spieler/503482) tall, which is roughly 6’2, and would be a physical presence at the back.

Jose Mourinho desperately wanted to sign Harry Maguire when he was in charge of [Manchester United](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/22/jose-mourinho-manchester-united-improve-harry-maguire). Although he didn’t get his wishes, Kim is would cost a fraction of [the price](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/harry-maguire/profil/spieler/177907) the Red Devils paid Leicester City.

Moreover, Spurs have been linked to [the centre](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/exclusive-liverpool-tottenham-arsenal-all-target-south-korean-defensive-star)-back in the past, and it seems Mourinho is determined to get his man with Son’s assistance.

***Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy sign Kim in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!***