Key Takeaways:
- Arsenal have set their sights on Takefusa Kubo and are preparing a €45 million offer during the winter transfer window
- Real Sociedad value Kubo at his €60 million release clause, complicating Arsenal’s pursuit
- Kubo recorded 3 goals and 4 assists in 52 matches for Real Sociedad in the 2024/25 season
Arsenal’s Pursuit and Transfer Strategy
Arsenal are keen to bolster their attacking options and are targeting Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo in the upcoming winter transfer market. Mikel Arteta has identified the 23-year-old Japanese international as a priority signing, with the club readying a proposal in the region of €45 million.
Despite their intention to secure Kubo, Arsenal face a formidable challenge in negotiations. The player’s contract with Real Sociedad contains a release clause valued at €60 million, positioning the Spanish club strongly in any discussions for a potential January move.
🚨 Arsenal eye TAKEFUSA KUBO move.!!
Arsenal remain open to strengthening their squad despite already boasting one of the most valuable groups in world football. According to Fichajes, Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo has emerged as a target.
The 24-year-old Japanese… pic.twitter.com/K70Yf4lL0O
— Arsenal Radar (@ArsenalRadar) September 24, 2025
Kubo’s Recent Performance and Role at Real Sociedad
Takefusa Kubo delivered an impressive campaign in the 2024/25 season, finishing with 3 goals and 4 assists from 52 official appearances. As one of the most decisive figures in Imanol Alguacil’s squad, his influence was instrumental to Real Sociedad’s ambitions both domestically and in European competition.
| Statistic | 2024/25 Season |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 52 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 4 |
Arsenal’s Tactical Needs and Market Intentions
Mikel Arteta’s side has prioritised additional creativity and unpredictability in the final third, particularly from wide areas. While players such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have excelled under Arteta’s guidance, club executives believe further depth is required to contend in both the Premier League and the Champions League during the second half of the season.
The potential addition of Kubo would provide Arteta another dynamic option to unlock compact defences, a quality underpinned by his dribbling and attacking returns last season.
Kubo’s Position on an Arsenal Move
Reports indicate that Kubo is open to a Premier League switch, recognising Arsenal as a step forward in his career trajectory. Joining Arsenal would grant him the opportunity to test himself in a more demanding league alongside established internationals such as Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice.
The attacker, formerly of Real Madrid, has made his ambitions for further European progress known. “My goal has always been to grow in Europe and test myself against the best,” he commented recently to Spanish media.
Negotiation Landscape and Market Implications
Arsenal are well resourced financially to execute a high-value transfer, but Real Sociedad’s stance will be critical. The Basque club’s reluctance to lose Kubo mid-season may force Arsenal to increase their bid or wait until the summer. The ongoing uncertainty adds intrigue to one of the most anticipated sagas of the winter market.
A successful acquisition of Takefusa Kubo would not only strengthen Arsenal with a proven European talent but would also send a clear signal about their ambitions to compete on all fronts using significant investment strategy.
