Arsenal send MILLIONS to Real Madrid to hijack Liverpool’s Salah successor

Robin Bairner

Updated: 22 Sept 2025 07:29 BST
4 min read

Arsenal are plotting a move that could see them complete a “surprise” move for the player Liverpool have earmarked as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah at Anfield.

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The Gunners made the biggest net spend in football during the summer, but while they sit second in the Premier League table after a 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, they already find themselves trailing Liverpool by five points in the standings.

Mikel Arteta’s side also dropped points at Anfield in a 1-0 loss, and appear to be willing to invest more money in January – specifically for a player the league leaders have targeted.

Current ETV

Takefusa Kubo

F, M (R)

Real Sociedad

Takefusa Kubo

F, M (R)

Real Sociedad

ETV Range

€32.1M - €39.3M

Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo has been identified by the North London side as a player who could enhance their fortunes, according to Fichajes.

Kubo, a Japan international who spent time in the academies of both Barcelona and Real Madrid, is said to be unhappy with life with the San Sebastian side currently. He is frustrated by his own inconsistency but also the lack of reinforcements that La Real made this summer to replace the likes of Martin Zubimendi, who left for Arsenal.

Although Kubo has a release clause of €60 million in his contract, the Gunners are prepare to offer €45m for the player. With the attacker boasting an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €35.7m, this appears a more than fair offer from Arteta’s side.

Real Madrid will be monitoring developments in this case closely. Xabi Alonso’s side still possess 50% of the economic rights to any future sale, which complicates matters for both Arsenal and Liverpool.

Is Kubo Salah’s hier?

© IMAGO - Playing Style comparison: Takefusa Kubo and Mohamed Salah

Kubo has spent three seasons at Real Sociedad but has yet to show the type of quality that would make him a difference-maker in the Premier League title race.

A left-footed player who likes playing off the right wing, like Salah, he has never hit double figures in goals in a single season and has netted once in five outings for Real Sociedad this term.

Given the investment that both Arsenal and Liverpool have made in their squads this summer, it would likely be considered a big gamble to spend a substantial fee on a player like Kubo, who is out of form and has yet to live up to the early promise of his career.

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