Nottingham Forest could be about to conduct some business with Celtic, according to reports – with the Premier League side having ‘submitted’ their first offer for midfielder Arne Engels.
Forest have struggled in the Premier League this season, only racking up 26 points from 24 games in an unexpected season of turmoil under three different managers – though with a Europa League schedule to contend with, that has seen them stretched in terms of availability.
City Ground chiefs are keen to get a deal over the line for a new midfielder in the final 24 hours of the transfer window, having also been linked with Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi – but their attention could turn to Engels on a permanent deal after his performances at Celtic Park.
Sky Sports: Forest ‘Submit’ First Offer for Arne Engels
The report by Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg states that Forest have now submitted their first offer to Celtic for Engels.
The journalist broke the news on Saturday that Forest were ‘exploring’ a deal to land the Belgian ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline day, with a move being possible under the right conditions.
The 22-year-old is under contract until 2028, which could make a deal difficult to do, but Sean Dyche has been wanting to land a midfielder after the departure of Douglas Luiz.
A later report by Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph suggested that the bid was in the region of £14million, eclipsing the £11million that the Hoops paid Augsburg for his services – though whether the bid will be accepted remains to be seen so late into the transfer window, and with Celtic in need of talent in their ranks to avoid slipping up in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Arne Engels Could Look to Premier League Move to Boost World Cup Chances
Engels joined Celtic from Augsburg in 2024, becoming one of their most expensive signings in history, after just 18 months at the Bundesliga club.
And, in the 18 months he’s been at Celtic, Engels has become a key player for the Hoops. 15 goals in 88 games in all competitions, including two in Europe and 13 in the league, have seen him become a huge member of their squad under Brendan Rodgers, Wilfried Nancy and Martin O’Neill.
However, a move to the Premier League could prove too good to turn down for Engels at such a young age. Having made caps for Belgium in 2024, blossoming at club level could see him travel to the World Cup with the Red Devils.