Celtic star poised to be 'on the move' this transfer window as Euro giants join Nottingham Forest in chase
The Hoops playmaker has been the subject of several rejected bids since January
Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is reportedly ‘on the move’ as he’s joined an agency to help him find life after Parkhead amid European interest.
The Nottingham Forest transfer target is now on the radar of European giants AC Milan as well, with Roma, Lazio and RB Leipzig also in the hunt. The 22-year old has now joined ‘Deal With My Agent’ (DWMA) - an agency which could help facilitate a move to one of Europe’s elite leagues. Engels still has two years left on his Celtic contract.
The Belgian was the subject of three January bids from Forest - the highest of which was a rejected £25m attempted swoop on Deadline Day. Given Engels’ strong end to the season and continued interest, it’s now a decision which looks to be ready for paying off.
Celtic star ‘on the move’
According to prominent Belgian transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Engels’ agency switch hints that he’s preparing for a move elsewhere. He said via X: “Arne Engels on the move! The Belgian Red Devil recently joined DWMA football agency and wants to take the next step in his career after Celtic FC. Several Premier League & Serie A clubs, including AC Milan, are monitoring the situation. More to follow.”
Engels joined Celtic in 2024 from Augsburg for £11m making him the Hoops’ most expensive ever player. The price tag raised a few eyebrows for a relatively unknown player at the time, and were raised even further when they rejected Forest’s bid.
The midfielder subsequently suffered a thigh injury which sidelined him for months, but come back just in time for the league run-in, where he helped Celtic secure the domestic double. Engels was on the scoresheet in both the Premiership all-or-nothing finale against Hearts and in the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic.
Why are Forest so keen on Engels?
The Reds, who just about secured Premier League survival last season, have maintained their interest in Engels beyond January despite the rejected bids. Midfielder Elliot Anderson has been linked with a lucrative to move to Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal. With Forest reportedly seeking nine-figures for the England international, if this materialises it could have a huge bearing on their pursuit of the Belgian.
Engels is clearly a player Martin O’Neill has a soft spot for, having been a regular feature for him when fit over both spells last season. The veteran boss is set to hold talks with major shareholder Dermot Desmond through the week about extending his stay at the club. Next manager contender Robbie Keane is also being approached by the club’s hierarchy.
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