According to AS via Sport Witness, Takefusa Kubo’s future at Real Sociedad has come under severe doubt as Arsenal and Liverpool are linked with a move. The Premier League duo have reportedly established contact and could be set to meet with his new agents to determine if a move is a possibility, although there are some fundamental doubts in this pursuit.
Takefusa Kubo remains one of the attractive players coming out of La Liga, despite an underwhelming season with Real Sociedad. The Japanese international does not post numbers akin to some of the top-notch right-wingers in the game, but he’s still a productive player in many regards.
Kubo has a contract until 2029 with Real Sociedad, although there’s a lot happening at the Spanish side including the departures of their manager and sporting director. Moreover, the Japanese star has recently changed agents, with his new representatives set to meet with the club’s hierarchy to discuss the future.
Kubo has a €60 million release clause in his contract with Real Madrid that entitles them to 50% of the proceeds or a buy-back inserted for half that price as per reports. In any case, the €60 million-rated La Liga winger is expected to have considerable interest, as Liverpool were earlier linked with him as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Arsenal are also keen, as the report states that the north Londoners alongside Liverpool have initiated contacts to understand the possibility of signing the winger. These are two English clubs open to adding players to strengthen their attacking setup, although neither are expected to fork out anywhere close to the €60 million-rated La Liga winger’s release clause.
Given Kubo would want a prominent role with his next club, it’s difficult to see either Arsenal or Liverpool prioritising a move. Given those teams have Bukayo Saka and Salah as their primary right-wingers, the €60 million-rated La Liga winger might only be seen as a backup to those stars. Either way, the Premier League sides have different ideas for the market, with the Gunners looking to sign a new left-winger instead.
Liverpool are well-stocked on the wings and looking to sign players in different areas as they are closing in on Florian Wirtz, and even if they enter the market for a wide attacker, that will be unlikely for the right wing. Hence, while there are links with Kubo, with the possibility of the Japanese star leaving Real Sociedad, he might not come in to join either Arsenal or Liverpool in this summer window.
