Newcastle United, Liverpool and Arsenal transfer target opens up on future amid major release clause claims

Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo has spoken out over his future amid reports Newcastle United and Arsenal are ready to trigger a release clause in his current contract.

The 34-times capped Japan international has been a shining light for the La Liga club throughout the season as they battle with the likes of Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao for a place in European competition next season. After scoring his side’s first goal in their recent 2-1 win at Real Mallorca, Kubo has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances in all competitions to establish himself as a key player in the Sociedad side.

His form has also triggered interest from several clubs around Europe - although Real Madrid are believed to hold a 50% sell-on clause on the winger after he left the reigning La Liga champions to join Sociedad during the summer of 2022 after spending time on loan at Mallorca, Getafe and Villarreal.

Spanish outlet Fichajes have claimed Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are all ready to trigger the £52m release clause in Kubo’s current deal during the summer transfer window - but could face serious competition from Real Madrid, who could invoke their sell-on clause and land the winger for around £26m. Speaking to Spanish radio station Cardena Sur recently, Kubo admitted he was happy with Real Sociedad and is only focusing on helping the club to success, rather than paying attention to speculation of a move elsewhere.

He said: “When there is a renewal it means that both parties are happy, and that’s true in my case. I am very happy here and at the moment I think the club is also happy with me. I’m not looking at the long term, I’m happy here, I don’t want to lose focus, we have two games coming up that could change our lives. I have enough on my plate without thinking about other things. I went to the Asian Cup with the idea of returning with a title, but I couldn’t do it, and now my goal is to achieve it with La Real, but first there is a very important match on Tuesday. Some of my teammates have already won a Copa and have a title and I want to have one too. I have never won a title in my career.”