(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Thu 30 April 2026 12:15, UK

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Arne Engels is edging closer to a big-money move away from Celtic this summer with Nottingham Forest still hot on his trail.

Forest made a £25million move to bring the 22-year-old to England in February, but the deal fell through, and they plan to reignite their move this summer.

However, they are not alone in their pursuit, with clubs across Europe sending scouts to keep tabs on his performances at Parkhead this season.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that his high-quality displays for Celtic have increased the likelihood of him moving on.

Should Martin O’Neill’s side prove unsuccessful in their bid to win the Premiership title, they will almost certainly be made to sell, in what could be a big summer for Celtic.

Could Celtic accept new offers for Arne Engels?

Football Insider revealed last month that Celtic are bracing to receive offers for Engels and are preparing to lose key players ahead of a difficult summer.

Celtic’s pursuit of the SPFL title will likely impact any deal, with Champions League football expected to be key, but big offers could tempt him away regardless.

O’Neill’s side are currently second in the table, three points behind league leaders Hearts, and should their position not change, they will struggle to keep key players.

“It’s difficult for Celtic to keep hold of their best players,” Brown told Football Insider.

“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.

“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.”

Who is leading the race to sign Engels this summer?

Forest are not alone in their pursuit of the midfielder, with high-profile competition expected to arrive from clubs both in the Bundesliga and Serie A.

Football Insider exclusively revealed last week that Borussia Dortmund are strong contenders for Engels as the latest side to show an interest in his availability.

Niko Kovac is keen to strengthen his squad and Engels is seen as a key target as they prepare to return to the Champions League next season.

The likes of RB Leipzig and Lazio are among those in Europe keeping tabs on him, while Forest’s lingering interest could tempt him to move to the Premier League.

The finances available in England could give Forest an edge, but Dortmund remain well-placed as they will be able to offer him Champions League football.