Arsenal and Liverpool are both in the market for a new winger.
Liverpool potentially need a Mohamed Salah replacement as Salah’s contract situation remains unresolved, while Arsenal need some cover for Bukayo Saka.
Indeed, Arsenal have been accused of over-using Saka in recent times, and they could do with some more depth down the flank.
Both teams may soon look to address that right wing spot, and this week, both Arsenal and Liverpool cast an eye over one of La Liga’s brightest talents in that position.
Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad looks on during the La Liga match between Real Sociedad de Fútbol and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Reale Arena on Aug...
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Arsenal and Liverpool scouting Takefusa Kubo
TBR Football understands that Takefusa Kubo is once again attracting interest from the Premier League.
The Japanese winger has long been regarded as one of Asia’s potential superstars and that began at the age of just 10 when he joined Barcelona’s academy.
He returned to Japan when Barca’s move for him was deemed unlawful and settled with FC Tokyo and made his senior debut aged just 15.
After turning 18 he moved back to Spain with Real Madrid landing him, but he spent four seasons out on loan and never played a game for Los Blancos.
Real Sociedad snapped him up in 2022 on a permanent deal and since moving to San Sebastian he is establishing himself as won of La Liga’s most feared wingers.
During his youth the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City all tried to sign him.
Now we can confirm that Arsenal and Liverpool have remained interest in Kubo’s progress, whilst we can confirm that Aston Villa and Newcastle have watched him.
We can reveal that Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Newcastle were all represented in Spain on Thursday evening and they witnessed Kubo inspire Sociedad to a 2-0 win over Ajax as he scored and created the other.
TBR Football understands that the Premier League clubs at he game were doing their work on numerous targets – not just Kubo, as the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Jorrel Hato also featured – although the latter was given a torrid time by Kubo.
Xavi has previously called Kubo a ‘world class’ player.
Arsenal’s relationship with Real Sociedad
Arsenal and Liverpool are both keen on Kubo, but Arsenal may be the team who have the edge in this race.
Indeed, Arsenal have a good relationship with Real Sociedad, as reported by Steve Kay last year.
“Arsenal have a really good relationship with Sociedad now. Kieran Tierney is out there and I’ve heard recently that Thomas Partey is someone they like,’ Kay said.
Mikel Arteta has strong links back to the San Sebastian outfit, and the two clubs have done plenty of business in recent years with Mikel Merino arriving this summer.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have recently struggled to do business with Sociedad as the Reds failed to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer with the player opting to stay in Spain instead.
Kubo is shining over in Spain for the Basque outfit, and a move to the Premier League could be on the cards soon for the Japan international.
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