Atletico Madrid could reportedly go head-to-head with Liverpool for the signature of Real Sociedad attacker Takefusa Kubo during this summer's transfer window.
There is currently a host of speculation surrounding the forward's future, with Liverpool believed to be interested in signing him this summer, as the Reds prepare for the possibility of losing Mohamed Salah.
According to Nacional CAT, there is also interest from Atletico, with Diego Simeone's side said to be keen to keep him in La Liga.
The report claims that Atletico view Kubo as the ideal replacement for Antoine Griezmann, should the France international decide to end his long association with the club during the upcoming summer market.
Griezmann has a contract at Wanda Metropolitano until June 2026, but it is understood that he has offers from Saudi Arabia and MLS, with the forward believed to be tempted by a new challenge at this stage of his career.
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Atletico 'could battle' Liverpool for Kubo deal
Kubo has been a regular for Real Sociedad during the 2024-25 campaign, making 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and registering four assists in the process.
The 23-year-old has come up with two goals and two assists in 11 Europa League outings, while he has managed five goals in 28 La Liga fixtures during an underwhelming campaign for the Basque team.
Kubo made the move to Real Sociedad from Real Madrid in 2022, and he has represented his current side on 129 occasions in all competitions, scoring 23 goals and registering 18 assists in the process.
La Real have the forward on a contract until June 2029, but the club are facing the strong possibility of missing out on European football for next season, which would place them in a delicate position heading into the summer market.
Real Sociedad are eighth in the La Liga table, seven points behind sixth-placed Real Betis.
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How much would Kubo cost this summer?
The release clause in Kubo's Real Sociedad contract is believed to be in the region of €60m (£52m), and the Basque team could point to that figure if the club receive any approaches this summer.
There are also believed to be other clubs keeping a close eye on the situation, with Manchester United previously credited with an interest in Kubo, who spent time with Barcelona's youth system between 2011 and 2015 before returning to Japan.
Matt Law
