Brentford Open Kevin Schade Contract Talks Amid Arsenal and Liverpool Interest

Premier League interest in Kevin Schade is building as Brentford move to protect the winger’s position with a proposed new contract, while several of Europe’s leading clubs continue to assess centre-back and midfield options ahead of the next transfer window.

Schade contract talks shape Premier League pursuit

Arsenal and Liverpool were the most serious candidates for Schade when the summer window closed, and both remain interested in the 24-year-old Germany international. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the Brentford forward.

Schade has two years left on his current deal, prompting Brentford to open initial discussions over improved terms. A renewal would strengthen the club’s position amid mounting attention for a player who has become a significant attacking asset in west London.

1. Schade entered the final two years of his Brentford contract.
2. Arsenal and Liverpool emerged as the strongest suitors before the end of the summer window.
3. Brentford began preliminary talks over a new agreement with improved conditions.
4. Chelsea and Tottenham remain among the clubs keeping watch on the situation.

Centre-back market remains active across Europe

Alessandro Bastoni has returned to Barcelona’s list of possible defensive additions, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City also retaining an interest in the Inter Milan defender. Inter resisted approaches in the summer and placed a valuation close to £70 million on the 27-year-old Italy international.

Bastoni’s suitability for a three-man defence is particularly relevant to Chelsea, while Liverpool and City are considering longer-term succession plans for Virgil van Dijk and Rúben Dias respectively.

Real Madrid are also continuing their search for central defensive depth despite signing Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konaté across the past two summer windows. Stuttgart’s Finn Jeltsch, 20, is being tracked by the Spanish club after earning his first Germany call-up under Jürgen Klopp during the current international break. Jeltsch joined Stuttgart from Nurnberg in January 2025.

AC Milan remain in the market for Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio after failing to complete a move for him in the summer. Milan could simultaneously reshape their existing squad, with Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek currently expected to see out their contracts. Tomori could also be sold as early as January.

Liverpool assess options at both ends of the squad

Liverpool are weighing up whether to make Ronald Araújo’s loan from Barcelona permanent for €55 million. The Uruguay international has played seven times for the Reds, including five starts, and has impressed Andoni Iraola and the club’s decision-makers with his ability to operate at centre-back or right-back.

The club are also among the Premier League sides examining Atlético Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente. Chelsea and Manchester City have shown similar interest in the 31-year-old, whose Atlético contract is due to end in the summer.

Atlético are in negotiations with Llorente over an extension and are confident a deal can be reached, but the uncertainty around his contract has ensured that English clubs are following developments.

Barcelona players draw English attention

Six Premier League clubs — Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham — have been approached over Barcelona attacking midfielder Dani Olmo’s possible availability.

Manchester United are also interested in Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, who could leave during the January window. Barcelona therefore face potential interest in both a creative midfielder and a first-team defender as the market develops.

January plans take shape around Europe

Juventus have identified RB Leipzig’s David Raum and Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell as priority options at left-back.

Roma want Frosinone winger Giorgi Kvernadze in January, although Hull City and Borussia Dortmund could provide competition for the Georgian. Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa have also made enquiries about Al Ahli midfielder Valentin Atangana.

Lazio defender Patric is close to completing a free transfer to Al Ittifaq after agreeing personal terms on a contract running to 2028. Napoli, meanwhile, are dissatisfied with the performances of Lorenzo Lucca and Noa Lang, leaving both players at risk of a January exit.

Key takeaways

• Brentford are seeking to extend Kevin Schade’s deal as Arsenal and Liverpool lead the chase for the winger.
• Alessandro Bastoni, Finn Jeltsch and Goncalo Inacio are among the defenders being considered by major European clubs.
• Liverpool could activate a €55 million option for Ronald Araújo after his promising start on loan.
• Marcos Llorente’s expiring Atlético Madrid contract has attracted attention from Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.
• Barcelona’s Dani Olmo and Alejandro Balde are both linked with potential moves involving Premier League clubs.