Arsenal and Liverpool circle as Brentford open Kevin Schade talks
Kevin SchadeBrentford have opened preliminary contract negotiations with German forward Kevin Schade as interest from Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Liverpool continues to intensify.
The twenty-four-year-old attacker has emerged as a key target for several top-flight clubs ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
A battle brewing for Brentford’s star
The West London club originally secured the services of the talented forward from Bundesliga outfit Freiburg during the summer of 2023.
Having paid a transfer fee of around £20 million, Brentford tied Schade down to a five-year agreement at the Gtech Community Stadium.
With that initial contract now entering its final two years, the Bees are eager to secure his long-term future and protect his market value.
Sky Sports News reports that initial discussions have commenced regarding a fresh deal featuring significantly improved terms that reflect his status.
Impressive numbers in the top flight
Keith Andrews, who took charge of Brentford, views the versatile forward as an indispensable member of his first-team plans this season.
During the previous campaign, Schade started thirty-two of his thirty-five league appearances, contributing twelve goals and assists to help secure a ninth-place finish.
Overall, the German international has racked up twenty-five goals and nine assists in 119 appearances for the club across all competitions.
His fine form has carried over into the current campaign, with three goals already registered from his first five Premier League starts, showing his clinical edge.
Heavyweight suitors circle the capital
Such consistent performances have inevitably caught the eye of rivals, with Arsenal and Liverpool both registering keen interest during the summer transfer window.
London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping tabs on the forward, who can operate anywhere across the frontline.
Brentford hope a lucrative new contract will ward off these suitors as they push for European football under Andrews this term, with Schade expected to play a pivotal role in their ambitions.
Liverpool keeping options open elsewhere
While Schade is on their radar as a potential attacking reinforcement, Liverpool are also busy evaluating existing squad members, including loan signing Ronald Araujo.
The Barcelona defender arrived on a temporary deal in August and has quickly settled under the guidance of manager Andoni Iraola.
Araujo has made seven appearances so far, showing impressive versatility by filling in at right-back as well as his natural centre-back role.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Reds are seriously considering triggering their €55 million optional purchase clause at the end of the season.
The Uruguayan international is reportedly very open to making his stay in England permanent after enjoying a strong start to life on Merseyside.
With Liverpool needing to plan for Virgil van Dijk’s eventual departure and facing uncertainty at right-back, securing a high-calibre defender like Araujo permanently could prove to be a sensible piece of business.
For now, Iraola and the Anfield hierarchy have plenty of time to assess the player’s fitness, consistency and suitability before making a final decision next summer.
