Speaking to source in his homeland, Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung-yueng has admitted that he is flattered by reported interest from Arsenal.
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However, the South Korean star has made that clear that he would only consider a move to a club where he was guaranteed first-team football.
“It’s meaningful if a big club pays attention to me,” the midfielder began, speaking to South Korean newspaper JoongAng Daily [via the Daily Star].
“I think this happened because of my performance this season,” he concluded, “the best team for me is the team where I can play on the field.”
The Metro reported on Saturday that Arsenal had been cleared to seal a deal for Ki, with a fee of £15 million being mooted for the consistent Premier League performer.
Talks between the two clubs began in the days following the Premier League finale, and the club are believed to be happy to pick up £15 million for the cultured midfielder according to the Daily Express.
Should Arsenal complete a move for Ki, it would begin to look increasingly unlikely that they will also attempt to snare long-term transfer target Morgan Schneiderlin, even if, according to the Metro, the French international recently rejected a move to Tottenham Hotspur because he’s holding out for a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
According to Wales Online, Ki is currently back in South Korea after having undergone knee surgery in London and was recently spotted watching a local game this weekend.
The 26-year-old featured 33 times in the Premier League this season as Gary Monk’s side recorded an eighth-placed finish. Ki managed eight goals and one assist during a fine campaign.