Arne Engels could be at the centre of a summer transfer battle with interest building from both England and Italy
19th April 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Football, Celtic versus St Mirren; Arne Engels of Celtic
Celtic stood firm in January, rejecting three bids from Nottingham Forest with the final offer rising to around £25 million including add-ons.
They made their stance clear – Engels wasn’t for sale.
But that hasn’t ended the story.
Forest remain keen and are understood to be monitoring the situation ahead of a potential renewed move this summer.
Now, they may face competition.
Lazio have emerged as serious contenders, with the Serie A side reportedly identifying Engels as a potential replacement if they offload midfield options.
Italian journalist Lorenzo Lepore claims multiple clubs are “alert to the situation”, setting the stage for a possible bidding war.
INFO ARL: 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… https://t.co/4rjdeh9G8O pic.twitter.com/PmU3TI95bH
— Lorenzo Lepore (@lorenzooleporee) April 20, 2026
On the pitch, Engels has already reminded everyone why he’s in demand.
After returning from injury, he made his first start at Hampden and immediately lifted Celtic’s performance levels, with a noticeable drop when he was substituted. That impact hasn’t gone unnoticed.
There are still variables.
A potential managerial change at Lazio, with Maurizio Sarri’s future uncertain, could alter their transfer plans.
Celtic may have held firm in January but doing so again this summer could be a much tougher task.
