Nottingham Forest interest in Celtic ace with 'proper potential' won't fade as 'huge' offer may change stance
The Celtic star was subject of deadline day bids from Nottingham Forest in the winter transfer window.
One connected scout south of the border can see Nottingham Forest returning to the table for a Celtic star.
The Hoops bounced back offers in excess of £20m plus for Arne Engels from Nottingham Forest as the winter window was coming to a close. Celtic signed him from Augsburg in the summer of 2024 but rumours of his what comes next are not letting up even after that knocked back bid. The Premier League side could come back in and Serie A team Lazio have also been mentioned.
Mick Brown, who has scouted for the likes of Manchester United and West Ham United, senses that the City Ground club could come back in for the Belgian midfielder. Should a big bid come in, Celtic might not be in a position to knock it back, especially if it’s in the £25m plus bracket.
Who could sign Arne Engels this summer?
Brown told Football Insider: “It’s difficult for Celtic to keep hold of their best players. The way the game is in Scotland at the moment, if a huge offer comes in for somebody, chances are it will be accepted because they could do with the money.
“Whenever there’s a player performing at a high level for Celtic, it’s going to attract interest. So when we’re speaking about Engels, of course, there’s going to be interest in him, and clubs will be keeping a close eye to see how he does in the run-in.
“These interested clubs, Nottingham Forest and the rest, will send scouts to have a closer look at him and get all of the information they could possibly need. Forest made that £25million offer, so it’s clear they are big fans of his and I wouldn’t expect their interest to go away quickly if that is the case.
What has Martin O’Neill said about reported interest in Arne Engels?
“If Celtic don’t go and win the league, it’s going to be difficult to keep hold of him. That’s the key for now: win the league and get into the Champions League. If they can’t do that, there are clubs who will be able to offer him the opportunity, and that’s when it becomes difficult to prevent a move.”
Speaking last week ahead of a win over Falkirk as talk of Lazio and Nottingham Forest surrounded the Belgian international, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill said: “I kind of get pleased about it really, because we've brought him back. I don't think he played many games under Brendan. He's come back and he's done fine. But it's not taking reflective glory or anything like that. I want him to reach what I think he's got proper potential. That's the point.”
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