As the January transfer window is finally upon us, Arsenal are set to make some crucial moves in the market as they look to add cover for key positions in their squad. As per reports from Japanese journalist Marco Molla, the Gunners will target Real Sociedad wide-man Takefusa Kubo as a replacement for Bukayo Saka, who is out for several months with a hamstring tear.
The North Londoners are key to add adequate cover for their star man, who was on course for a record-breaking season in the Premier League prior to picking up an unfortunate injury. His output and versatility can be divided among the squad, but manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly identified Kubo as the ideal like-for-like replacement for the Englishman.
Kubo plays off the right wing as well, and his pace, directness and versatility are quite similar to that of Saka. Additionally, the Japanese forward can also play as a number 10 behind the striker, or on the left flank as well, which would offer Arsenal plenty of versatility in the final third. Kubo has had a slow start to the current season, though, making 23 appearances and contributing four goals and two assists.
Why is Takefusa Kubo so highly-rated?
As it goes in most professions, coming out of certain junior organizations sets people up for remarkable careers in their respective fields. The same is the case with Takefusa Kubo, who is a graduate of Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy. He also spent some time being a Real Madrid player in his early 20s after refusing a return to Barca due to disagreements in the contract details.
However, the player has shown his true abilities in his time with Real Sociedad, where under Imanol Alguacil, Kubo has become one of the most-feared attackers in LaLiga.
He has made 108 appearances for La Real, scoring 20 goals and providing 16 assists as well. The player has incredible abilities on the ball and is very technical, which has unfortunately not been reflected in his numbers for the last few seasons as he averages 16 goal contributions over a 40-game period.
However, this output would be perfect for Arsenal to offset the void left by Bukayo Saka’s absence, and the club could make a serious offer for the Japanese international.
