Arsenal consider signing 23-year-old ex-Real Madrid star as replacement for Bukayo Saka; player open to Premier League switch: Reports

Arsenal are reportedly weighing up a move to sign former Real Madrid ace Takefusa Kubo as a replacement for Bukayo Saka, with the player open to a move to England. The Gunners are considering options to replace talisman Saka, whose hamstring injury will likely keep him out until March.

Saka underwent surgery to repair a torn hamstring in December, leading Mikel Arteta's side to look for his replacement in January. Japanese journalist Marco Molla has reported that the Gunners are interested in Kubo, and the 23-year-old is receptive to the interest and open to joining them.

Takefusa Kubo spent time at the academies of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid as a youngster before eventually finding a home in the Basque region. The Japan international has been a key player for Real Sociedad since joining them n 2022, with his displays catching the eyes of multiple sides.

Arsenal are interested in Kubo because of his versatile profile and creativity, a key feature shown by Saka this season. The Englishman recorded nine goals and 13 assists in 24 games across competitions before picking up the injury. The club considers Kubo as a good replacement for his characteristics. The Japanese star can play on either flank, in midfield, or behind the striker.

Takefusa Kubo was spoken about in the summer as a target for Liverpool but a move never materialized. The versatile forward has contributed four goals and two assists in 23 appearances for his Basque club this season. He has a release clause of €60 million in his contract and Arsenal could use the connections forged in the deal for Mikel Merino to sign him.

Teenage star shines on full league debut for Arsenal in win over Brentford

Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri showed his class for the Gunners in their 3-1 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Wednesday (January 1). The 17-year-old made his first start for the side in the league, helping them record a victory at the Gtech Stadium.

With Bukayo Saka out, Mikel Arteta started Nwaneri in an unfamiliar right-wing position, playing the teenager for 78 minutes against the Bees. The youngster created two chances, made two recoveries, and completed 92% (22/24) of his passes. The Gunners' second goal also came from a corner-kick delivery from him.

Nwaneri was picked to feature on the right wing ahead of Gabriel Martinelli, who started there in the previous game against Ipswich Town where the Gunners won 1-0 on December 27.

The youngster passed the test, giving Arteta something else to think about for the remainder of the January window.