Celtic have fresh Arne Engels exit concern as deadline-busting Premier League transfer on the cards
Celtic could be about to lose Arne Engels in the final stages before Monday night’s transfer deadline.
The Belgian has been a crucial part of Martin O’Neill’s team of late, but could leave in the coming days and miss the crucial run-in as the Scottish Premiership title race nears its conclusion.
Football Insider revealed that Engels will not push to leave Celtic in the final stages of the January window amid interest from RB Leipzig, but clubs are now beginning to circle around the 22-year-old.
The Belgian has been influential with five goals and seven assists in all competitions this term, but the Premier League now appears to be calling his name.
Nottingham Forest to strike last-minute Arne Engels deal
Football Insider revealed earlier in January that Celtic would look to net a huge profit on Engels if they were to consider selling him, after he joined for a club-record £11million in 2024.
The interest from Leipzig has seemingly failed to surpass the initial stages so far, but a fresh exit fear has now emerged for the Bhoys, with interest building south of the border.
Nottingham Forest are now exploring the possibility of making a move for the midfielder before the Premier League’s 7pm deadline on Monday night, according to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.
Engels is under contract until the summer of 2028 at Celtic, but it is understood that an exit could be possible in the coming days, provided that the correct conditions are in place for the selling club.
The Glasgow giants have been able to fend off interest from Leipzig so far, but the Premier League is another step up from the Bundesliga in terms of riches and prestige, and as a result, it could be difficult to resist a deal.
Celtic to target swift Silas Andersen deal amid Arne Engels latest
Celtic are leading the race to sign Silas Andersen from Swedish side BK Hacken before the end of the window, and that could provide them with their immediate contingency plan if they lose Engels.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been subject to interest from a whole host of sides this month, including Rangers, but the Parkhead outfit appear to have fought their way to the front of the queue to potentially secure his signature.
Andersen is a hugely promising young player, and has the potential to immediately step into Engels’ shoes if Forest are able to reach the late agreement that they are hoping for.
Celtic may even be more tempted to try and cash in on Engels knowing that they are well-placed to instantly replace him.
However, that relies on them being confident that a move for Andersen would beat the imminent deadline.