Brentford ready to sell forward if Arsenal meet their price

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Arsenal have been handed encouragement in their pursuit of Brentford forward Kevin Schade, with the Bees reportedly prepared to sanction a sale when the transfer window reopens — provided the right offer arrives.

Schade has established himself as one of the more productive attackers in the Premier League since his move to west London, and his performances have placed him firmly on the radar of several of the division's biggest clubs.

According to Football Insider, Brentford have opened the door to a departure for the Germany international, and would agree to let him leave if Arsenal table a bid that meets their valuation.

Brentford are in no rush

The situation is not a straightforward one. Schade's contract at the Gtech Community Stadium runs until 2028, which means Brentford hold a strong negotiating position and face no pressure to cash in.

The club have also opened discussions over improved terms in an attempt to tie him down for longer, a move designed to reduce the risk of losing him on the cheap further down the line.

The report states that Brentford are likely to demand a significant fee before entertaining any sale, with the club continuing to use Schade as much as possible while he remains their player. He is said to be happy at Brentford, but he would be unlikely to turn down the chance to join one of England's leading sides.

Liverpool lurking

Arsenal are not the only club monitoring the situation. Liverpool are also credited with an interest in Schade, and they can offer a comparable platform in terms of European football and squad quality.

That competition means the Gunners would need to move decisively rather than wait for the market to settle. Transfer races of this nature are rarely won by the club that hesitates, particularly when the selling club has no urgent need to do business.

The appeal from Arsenal's perspective is clear enough. Schade offers pace and physicality down the flank, and the fact he has already proven himself in the Premier League means the adaptation period would in theory be shorter than for an attacker arriving from abroad.

It is also worth noting the source here. Football Insider are a well-established outlet but sit below the tier-one bracket occupied by the likes of David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano, so this should be filed as credible interest rather than a deal approaching completion.

What is clear is that Brentford have set their terms, and the ball now sits with the clubs chasing Schade. Arsenal's next move will likely depend on how the fee is pitched once the window opens.