Bild: Arsenal consider Kim Min-jae as possible January defensive cover

Arsenal are considering Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae for a January move, according to German newspaper Bild, but the report describes a winter transfer as unlikely at this stage.

Bild says Kim has been “brought into the mix” by Maurizio Micheli, Arsenal’s head of scouting and Kim’s former mentor at Napoli. The reported interest comes as Arsenal plan for defensive cover: Piero Hincapié is expected to miss several weeks with an ankle injury, while William Saliba has also been out with a back problem. Bild says the club are preparing contingency plans in case of further setbacks.

That makes Kim a reported option rather than an agreed signing. Bild says Arsenal are “hunting” the South Korea international, while also raising questions about his suitability for English football. The report gives no indication that a move has been agreed, and Kim remains under contract at Bayern until June 2028.

The 29-year-old has made two Bundesliga starts this season, with Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah competing ahead of him for places. Kim joined Bayern from Napoli in 2023 for €50 million (£43.5m) and has since made 122 appearances in all competitions, winning two Bundesliga titles, two German Super Cups and the DFB-Pokal.

Bayern manager Vincent Kompany has praised Kim’s response to limited playing time, saying he “reacted correctly and gave everything in training and on the pitch”. Bild also reports Bayern may be open to selling Kim and Alphonso Davies to raise funds for January additions.

Kim has attracted reported interest before: Chelsea explored his availability in the summer, and Tottenham, Manchester United, Aston Villa, AC Milan and Inter Milan have also been linked with him. For now, Arsenal’s reported interest is exploratory, with the club weighing defensive cover against the questions Bild raises about a Premier League move. Arsenal are second with 15 points from six matches and are due to visit Nottingham Forest on Sunday.