Nottingham Forest are trying to prise Belgian midfielder Arne Engels away from Scottish Premiership outfit Celtic
Brian Dick Reach Football Correspondent
17:00, 02 Feb 2026
Arne Engels(Image: Getty Images)
Celtic have rejected a third Nottingham Forest bid for Arne Engels.
That’s according to several outlets who are reporting the £25million the Reds offered for the young midfielder has not been enough to tempt the Bhoys to the negotiating table.
Indeed Celtic boss – and Forest great – Martin O’Neill suggested only a staggering offer of something like £100m would persuade him to part with the 22-year-old.
O’Neill addressed the speculation after his side’s 2-0 win over Falkirk on Sunday and said: “Honestly, I am telling you, I didn’t know anything about it. If they have done it, then they must have done it during the game.
“I would want it rebuffed, unless it was £100million. And then I think the board would step in there. No, absolutely, I would rather keep him.”
Engels moved to Celtic from FC Augsburg in the summer of 2024, signing a contract designed to keep him in Glasgow until at least June 2028.
He has scored 15 times and added 20 assists in 89 appearances for the Bhoys and has been a key player this season. Forest saw Douglas Luiz leave and return to Aston Villa earlier in the window – and have also bid for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Get all the Nottingham Forest latest via our Facebook page
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£49
£35
Sky
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.