Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly made contact over a potential summer move for Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo, but whether the Gunners are genuinely prepared to push for the deal is increasingly doubtful.
According to AS via Sport Witness, Kubo’s future at Real Sociedad is under scrutiny following a turbulent season and significant changes at the Spanish club. The 23-year-old Japanese winger has reportedly changed agents, prompting meetings with the Sociedad hierarchy and opening the door to Premier League interest.
Kubo’s appeal and Arsenal’s dilemma
Kubo remains one of La Liga’s more intriguing talents, even if his goal and assist numbers have not reached elite levels. His creativity, technical skill, and tactical intelligence have caught the eye of scouts across Europe. However, his €60 million release clause which also entitles Real Madrid to 50% of any sale proceeds makes the financial side of any move particularly complex.
For Arsenal, the allure of adding a versatile attacker with room to grow is understandable. Yet, with Bukayo Saka firmly entrenched on the right wing and the club’s focus shifting to other positions, notably, a new left-winger and a top-class centre-forward, the practicality of splashing €60 million on Kubo feels unlikely.
Competition for his signatures…
Liverpool are reportedly eyeing Kubo as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, but that scenario seems increasingly implausible as the Reds shift focus toward Florian Wirtz and other targets. For Arsenal, Kubo would likely play a secondary role, which may not align with his ambitions for a prominent starting position.
The recent changes at Real Sociedad including a managerial and sporting director shake-up and Kubo’s agent switch have added layers of uncertainty to his future. But it’s hard to see Arsenal, or Liverpool, meeting the financial and strategic demands required to secure his signature.
Will Arsenal look elsewhere?
With Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta focusing on positions where immediate impact is needed namely a striker and a left-sided winger pursuing Kubo feels more like a speculative link than a concrete plan. Still, his availability may keep him on the radar, even if a move to the Emirates this summer seems a long shot.
