Arsenal are poised to make a significant move in the January transfer window, with reports indicating that they are ready to table a €45million (£39m, $53.1m) bid for Real Sociedad’s star winger Takefusa Kubo. The 26-year-old Japanese international, whose release clause stands at €60m (£52.5m, $71m), is reportedly open to joining the Gunners, viewing the move as a major step forward in his career. This potential transfer highlights Real Madrid’s costly error in letting Kubo go for just €6m (£5.2m, $7.1m) in 2022, a decision that could now haunt the Spanish giants.
Arsenal’s Ambitious Transfer Strategy
After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Liverpool last season, Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta went all-in during the summer transfer window, securing eight major signings, including Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, and Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. These additions have bolstered an already formidable squad, with Arsenal currently sitting second in the Premier League with 10 points from five games and kicking off their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Despite their strong start to the 2025/26 season, Arsenal are not resting on their laurels. According to Fichajes, the Gunners are prepared to make a bold move for Kubo, a player who has established himself as one of LaLiga’s most exciting wingers. The report suggests that Kubo is enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Arsenal, recognizing the move as a “career advancement” that could elevate him to new heights.
Real Madrid’s Costly Oversight
Kubo’s journey to this point is a tale of unfulfilled potential at Real Madrid. Signed by Los Blancos in 2019, the Japanese winger was heralded as a future star but failed to make a single first-team appearance during his three-year stint. Loan spells at Real Mallorca, Villarreal, and Getafe provided glimpses of his talent, but Real Madrid opted to sell him to Real Sociedad in 2022 for a mere €6m. This decision now looks like a monumental misstep, as Kubo has since flourished, racking up 24 goals and 18 assists in 142 appearances for Sociedad.
The parallels between Kubo and Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard are striking. Like Kubo, Odegaard was expected to become a superstar at Real Madrid but struggled to break into the first team. After a successful loan spell at Arsenal in 2021, he secured a permanent move and has since become one of Europe’s premier playmakers. At 26, Odegaard’s trajectory offers a blueprint for Kubo, who could follow a similar path to stardom at the Emirates Stadium.
Kubo’s Rising Star and Liverpool’s Interest
Kubo’s performances at Real Sociedad have not only caught Arsenal’s eye but also earned praise from Liverpool’s Wataru Endo. In 2024, Endo tipped Kubo as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah at Anfield, stating, “The search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah has begun, so this is becoming a real area for Liverpool to strengthen. I think the player who can replace him, in the national team, would be Kubo.” This glowing endorsement underscores Kubo’s potential to thrive in the Premier League, where his technical ability, vision, and bravery on the ball could make him a standout.
Former Real Mallorca CEO Maheta Molango also raved about Kubo during his loan spell in the 2019/20 season, praising his humility, professionalism, and exceptional talent. “He sees things that other people don’t see,” Molango said. “His intelligence is outstanding. He is very skilled technically but also very brave. He’s not scared of the ball and of taking on responsibility. He’s a natural leader and he’s comfortable with the pressure. He has the ingredients to one day be a superstar.”
Arsenal’s Need for Kubo
Arsenal’s interest in Kubo comes at a time when their wing options are under scrutiny. The Gunners signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea in the summer to serve as a backup to Bukayo Saka, but the 23-year-old England international recently suffered a knee injury against Manchester City, sidelining him for approximately two months, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. While Madueke has shown promise, sources close to TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher indicate that Arsenal are prepared to invest heavily in January if they identify a player capable of pushing them toward the Premier League title. Kubo, with his proven track record and versatility, could be that game-changer.
Real Madrid’s Regret and Arsenal’s Opportunity
Real Madrid’s decision to sell Kubo for a fraction of his current value is a stark reminder of their occasional misjudgments in the transfer market. With Arsenal now circling, the Spanish giants may rue their failure to nurture a player who has blossomed into one of LaLiga’s finest wingers. For Arsenal, securing Kubo for €45m—potentially below his release clause—would represent a coup, adding a dynamic, creative force to an already talented squad.
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Arsenal’s pursuit of Kubo. If the Gunners can finalize this blockbuster deal, they may not only strengthen their title challenge but also expose Real Madrid’s costly mistake in letting a future superstar slip through their fingers.