Celtic star subject of transfer battle as Nottingham Forest face 'competition' from two Premier League clubs
The Reds had multiple bids rejected for the Celtic man in the January transfer window
Celtic midfielder Arne Engels has attracted even more English Premier League interest - as Fulham and Sunderland have now reportedly joined Nottingham Forest in the transfer race.
The 22-year old was the subject of three rejected bids from Forest in January, with the highest reaching £25m. The club remain keen on Engels but now face stiff competition, with European giants AC Milan, Lazio and RB Leipzig also interested. Forest, however, may have extra incentive, with current midfielder Elliot Anderson looking set for the exit door as Manchester City and Manchester United compete for his signature.
Engels remains Celtic’s most expensive ever signing (£11m) since his 2024 move from Bundesliga side FC Augsburg. The Belgian enjoyed a strong end to the 2025/26 domestic season, helping Celtic secure the domestic double with goals in both the league finale against Hearts and the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline. He remains under contract at Celtic Park until 2028.
Premier League trio in ‘competition’ for Celtic star
According to Sky Sports: “Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Sunderland are all interested in Arne Engels at Celtic. Forest remain keen to sign him especially given Manchester City's ongoing pursuit of Elliot Anderson and the need for new midfielders. However, they now have competition from Fulham, despite the club being without a head coach following Marco Silva's departure, as well as Sunderland.”
Fulham’s continued interest could be dependant on their new gaffer. The West London side currently have former Celtic manager target Kieran McKenna high on their shortlist to take over from Silva, after he helped Ipswich gain promotion to the top flight last season. Thomas Frank, Oliver Glasner and Mauricio Pochettino are also in contention. Meanwhile, Europa League bound Sunderland have expressed interest in Real Madrid midfielder Thiago Pitarch as well as Engels.
Anderson status has Engels knock-on effect
Forest reportedly want nine-figures for England international Anderson, with both Manchester clubs lurking. However the BBC report that the 23-year old is favouring the blue half. They said: “The England international tops City's list of midfield targets following the departure of captain Bernardo Silva, and sources say they are expected to make another bid.
“City have long admired Anderson and will not be swayed from paying a significant fee, which could become a record fee for a British player. BBC Sport has previously reported Anderson is leaning towards a move to City over rivals Manchester United.”
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