**Liverpool have reportedly joined the race for Brentford winger Kevin Schade, although they face rival interest from the Gunners.**
[ESPN](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/50031688/transfer-rumors-news-arsenal-liverpool-eye-winger-kevin-schade) reports that both Liverpool and Arsenal are showing increased interest in the German international, while Brentford are attempting to protect themselves from losing one of their most valuable attackers.
Reports elsewhere suggest the Bees have begun initial discussions over a new long-term contract.
It creates an interesting situation for Liverpool.
Schade already has something transfer targets arriving from abroad cannot guarantee: evidence that his attributes translate to Premier League football.
His pace and ability to attack space would also appear compatible with Andoni Iraola’s preference for aggressive, vertical football.
He has three Premier League goals in five appearances so far this season, scoring 8 in 35 last season. Still some ways to go until he can be considered elite, but he’s certainly promising.
There is another interesting detail.
Schade is among the players nominated for September’s Premier League Player of the Month alongside Liverpool pair Alexander Isak and Jeremy Jacquet.
Liverpool’s reported interest remains at an early stage, and there is no suggestion that a deal is close.
Brentford attempting to secure Schade’s future could also make any eventual transfer significantly more expensive.
But Liverpool’s recruitment over recent years has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to target proven Premier League talent when the right opportunity emerges.
Whether Schade becomes another example remains to be seen.
For now, Brentford appear determined to ensure that Liverpool cannot get him easily.
Schade is a nice target but not what Liverpool need right now
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While it would be nice to have Schade at Liverpool, there are more pressing squad concerns.
The need for a proper right back cannot be ignored. The lack of quality at right back has seen Ronald Araujo unofficially become the regular right back for Iraola.
However, as good as the Uruguayan has been out of position, he’s not a right back, and this experiment may at some point yield some unsatisfactory results.
There is also the need for more midfield depth after Curtis Jones was sold to Inter Milan but not replaced.