Nottingham Forest 'alert' to possible transfer move over Celtic star as heavyweight interest emerges
The Hoops midfielder has attracted interest from Italian giants too
Celtic star Arne Engels is reportedly on the radar of Nottingham Forest again - and is also the subject of interest from Lazio.
The Hoops rejected a £25m bid for the Belgian from Forest in the winter. That is a fee that would’ve made him one of their highest ever exports. Engels was signed by Celtic for club record fee of £11m from Augsburg in 2024 and has been a mainstay in the side ever since when fit, however given the magnitude of Forest’s bid, it came as a shock to some that the defending Premiership champions didn’t believe it to be enough.
The 22-year old suffered a thigh injury shortly after the rejected bid and is only just returning to action as another potential suitor enters the fray. Italian giants Lazio have also now expressed an interest in Engels, however whether they pursue him in the summer or not, may be dependent on the future of current boss, Maurizio Sarri.
Forest ‘alert’ and Lazio join race for Arne Engels
According to Italian sports journalist, Lorenzo Lepore, Forest aren’t finished in their pursuit of Engels, however they will now have competition from the Serie A side. He claims: “Engels of Celtic FC is a profile that has caught the attention of Lazio's hierarchy. Nottingham Forest had submitted a €25 million bid on the final day of the transfer window, which was rejected by the Scottish club. Lazio are continuing talks that were already opened in January, and his name could become a concrete target should Dele Bashiru depart — a player the club values at around €15-20 million.
“Lazio's executives are considering this option with Maurizio Sarri in mind as their manager for next season, although a final decision on whether the Tuscan coach will remain in charge will be made at the end of the campaign. Forest remain alert to the situation and could make another move in the summer. The Belgian will carefully weigh up any offers that come his way over the coming months, with his decision likely to hinge on the project and the manager on offer.”
How important is Arne Engels to Celtic?
Clearly Martin O’Neill is a fan of the Belgian, who has been a mainstay in his side over both his spells at the club this season. Celtic’s rejected offer proved they’re in a position where they can stand firm on their midfielder, however if a bigger offer emerges in the summer, it will give them a decision to make.
Celtic icon, Chris Sutton believes Engels will find his way back into the starting XI following his lengthy sideline and could be an ‘asset’ to the team through his work rate off the ball and quality from set plays. He claimed: “Engels is a strong runner and, playing in a team which is struggling to score goals from open play, but his dead-ball delivery can be a big asset.
“O’Neill spoke recently about the fact the Belgian needs to add some more goals to his game to really go to the next level. All the motivations are there for him to step back into that starting line-up and show himself as worthy of being the club’s record buy.”
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly