Brentford have entered into preliminary contract discussions with winger Kevin Schade, with the west London club determined to tie down one of their standout performers amid growing interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.

Schade has hit the ground running this season, netting three goals as Brentford have made a flying start to the Premier League campaign. The club sit fourth after five unbeaten games — a run that includes home victories over Tottenham and Chelsea, alongside three draws.

Big clubs circling

Arsenal and Liverpool are understood to have been the most determined suitors as the summer transfer window approached its close, though Chelsea and Tottenham have also kept tabs on the Germany international.

The 23-year-old's current deal — signed when he moved from SC Freiburg for £20m in June 2023 — has now entered its final two years, giving Brentford every incentive to move quickly on improved terms.

A rising force for club and country

Schade's three strikes this term push his overall Brentford tally to 25 goals in 119 appearances, a record that also includes nine assists. His consistent club form has earned him a regular place in Germany's national team setup — he featured at the World Cup and was named in the starting line-up for Jurgen Klopp's first match as Germany head coach, a game against the Netherlands.

Brentford will be eager to conclude a new agreement before rival clubs are given any further encouragement to formalise their interest in the January window or beyond.