Arsenal are contemplating a bid to secure the services of Japanese footballer Takefusa Kubo, who currently plays for Real Sociedad.

The club is said to be willing to meet the player’s €60m release clause next summer.

Arteta has reportedly requested Kubo’s signing to bolster Arsenal’s squad as they aim to compete more effectively with Manchester City in the Premier League.

Takefusa Kubo has impressed during his time at Real Sociedad, displaying form that eluded him during loan stints away from Real Madrid before he was sold last summer.

Apparently, Mikel Arteta sees the Japanese player as a key figure in advancing Arsenal’s ambitions. With four goals and one assist in seven games this season, Kubo has garnered attention as a rising talent in the game, notably from Arteta.

In total, he has 13 goals and 10 assists in 51 matches since his €6.5m transfer in 2022.

Real Madrid, however, could prove to be a stumbling block for the Gunners.

The Spanish giants have a €30m buy-back option for Kubo (he’s currently valued at €25m).

This means that they have the final say on the player’s immediate future and could exercise this option to scupper Arsenal’s plans.

Given Kubo’s level of performance at Real Sociedad, it is widely expected that his departure from the club is imminent, regardless of his next destination.

With Arteta showing keen interest in the player, and a release clause set at €60m, the potential transfer could become one of the high-profile moves of the summer.

However, Real Madrid’s buy-back option looms as a potential hurdle, adding complexity to an already intricate situation.

How this plays out could have significant implications not just for Arsenal but for the wider dynamics of Premier League and La Liga transfers.