Arsenal ended the Premier League summer transfer window as the second highest spenders in the English top-flight.
Ahead of a crunch 2025/26 campaign, Mikel Arteta spent £267m on a major squad revamp with only defending champions Liverpool paying out more.
Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Maduke and Eberechi Eze all landed at the Emirates Stadium with Arteta also completing a long-running battle to sign Martin Zubimendi.
The Spain international infamously opted against a move from Real Sociedad to Liverpool in the summer of 2024, but he was lured to the Emirates Stadium following key talks with Arteta.
Zubimendi has linked up with former La Real teammate Mikel Merino in North London and there could be another arrival from San Sebastian in 2026.
As per reports from Spanish transfer outlet Fichajes.net, Arteta is plotting a €45m [£40m/$53m] offer to land Takefusa Kubo, amid rumours the Japan international wants to leave.
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Real Sociedad's failure to qualify for European competition has impacted their finances and the club's ability to retain their star names.
However, the main issue could be Kubo's contract in the Basque Country which runs until 2029 and includes a €60m [£52m/$70m] release clause.
Real Sociedad showed their firmness in the Zubimendi deal, as they fought to secure his full exit clause, and they will set a similar benchmark to Arsenal for Kubo after rebuffing Tottenham this summer.
Kubo shone for Imanol Alguacil's team last season, finishing in La Liga's Top 10 for shot-creating actions [114], successful take-ons [75] and progressive carries [133] - plus seven goals in all competitions.
That form has continued into 2025/26 - as the 24-year-old sits inside La Liga's Top 10 for shot-creating actions again [24] - and Arteta may need to increase his offer to force Real Sociedad to the negotiating table in January.
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