Man Utd Eye £30m Kevin Schade But Arsenal Lead Race

Manchester United could enter the race for Brentford winger Kevin Schade

Manchester United are reportedly considering a January move for Brentford winger Kevin Schade, according to Caught Offside. The Germany international has impressed with three goals in six games this season, but Arsenal are also keen admirers and could rival United for his signature.

Player: Kevin Schade (Brentford, Germany international)
Potential suitors: Manchester United, Arsenal
Valuation: £30 million (Transfermarkt), but Brentford may demand around £60 million
Season form: 3 goals in 6 appearances across all competitions
Contract status: Brentford eager to tie him to improved long-term deal, but talks have not progressed
Window: January transfer window

Deal details

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United could enter the race to sign Brentford winger Kevin Schade during the January transfer window. The 24-year-old has had a fine start to the campaign with the Bees, netting three goals in six appearances across all competitions. Brentford are eager to hand him an improved long-term deal as a result, but Caught Offside insist there has not been much progress in terms of a renewal for the attacker.

Schade's future could be one to watch out for at the turn of the year, and it is claimed that United could enter the hunt for the 24-year-old. However, any move would be complicated by the fact that United already have well-covered options on the left flank. Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford are two high-profile options on the left side of the Red Devils' attack, and United have another makeshift option in the form of Patrick Dorgu.

United were open to parting ways with Rashford after his successful season-long loan at Barcelona, but the Englishman did not receive any suitable offers during the last transfer window. This meant that United decided to keep hold of his services, but the decision has not proved worthwhile with the club graduate yet to register a goal or an assist in any competition this term. Despite this, we don't see United making a mid-season swoop for Schade, given they would need to offload Rashford and remove his hefty salary from their wage bill first before pursuing a replacement. That may not happen until the end of the campaign.

Arsenal are also keen admirers of the talented German, and they could emerge as front-runners to sign him if they were to make an approach. At Arsenal, Christos Tzolis is the only specialist left winger and Schade has the chance to displace him and make the position his own. Schade is valued at £30 million by Transfermarkt, but the Bees will surely demand a much significant fee, potentially in the region of £60 million to part ways with the former Freiburg man.

Why Arsenal make more sense than Man Utd for Schade

Kevin Schade is a left winger by trade, and that is precisely the position where Arsenal are short. Christos Tzolis is the only specialist left winger at the club, meaning Schade would have a clear path to regular starts. At United, he would be competing with Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford, plus makeshift option Patrick Dorgu. That is not an attractive proposition for a 24-year-old seeking consistent minutes.

United's interest is further complicated by their need to offload Rashford's hefty salary before pursuing a replacement. Rashford has yet to register a goal or assist this term, and with no suitable offers arriving last summer, United may be stuck with him until the end of the campaign. That financial constraint makes a January move for Schade unlikely, as the report itself suggests.

Arsenal, meanwhile, could offer Schade a genuine opportunity to make the left-wing spot his own. The German's three goals in six games show he is ready for a step up, and Brentford's potential £60 million asking price, while steep, is not beyond Arsenal's means if they view him as a long-term solution. The ball is in Arsenal's court.

Talking points

Should Arsenal pay £60 million for Kevin Schade when they could sign a more proven winger for a similar fee?
Is Manchester United's interest genuine, or is it a smokescreen to pressure Rashford into leaving?
Can Schade displace Christos Tzolis at Arsenal, or would he simply be rotation?
Should Brentford cash in now or risk losing Schade for less if he enters the final year of his contract?

What happens next

The January transfer window opens in a few months, and Brentford will be desperate to tie Schade to a new long-term deal before then. If talks continue to stall, Arsenal and Manchester United are poised to make their moves. Arsenal appear the more logical destination given their need for a left winger, while United must first resolve Rashford's future. Expect this saga to heat up as the window approaches.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kevin Schade leaving Brentford in January?

It is a possibility. According to Caught Offside, Manchester United could enter the race for Schade in January, and Arsenal are also keen admirers. Brentford are eager to renew his contract, but talks have not progressed, leaving the door open for a move.

How much would Kevin Schade cost?

Transfermarkt values Schade at £30 million, but Brentford are likely to demand around £60 million to part with him, as reported.

Which club is leading the race for Kevin Schade?

Arsenal could emerge as front-runners if they make an approach, as they offer a clearer path to the left-wing position. Manchester United's interest is complicated by their need to offload Marcus Rashford first.