West Ham United have entered negotiations with Celtic in an effort to secure the services of Belgian midfielder Arne Engels, a 22‑year‑old who has attracted interest from several clubs across the Premier League. Celtic, however, are firm in their valuation, insisting that any offer should be close to £25 million before they consider letting the player go. The young international has already been linked with a number of top‑flight teams, and his reputation has grown after a series of impressive performances in the Scottish Premiership.
Nottingham Forest, for example, made multiple bids for Engels on the final day of the winter transfer window, all of which were turned down by Celtic. Those rejected offers underline the level of demand for the midfielder and the confidence his current club has in his future potential. What makes West Ham's pursuit particularly noteworthy is the fact that the Hammers are a Championship side at the moment, having been relegated from the Premier League last season.
Despite their second‑tier status, they have managed to retain a relatively strong squad and are actively looking to bolster it with quality signings that could help them bounce back to the top division. Engels, who still has two years remaining on his contract with Celtic, fits the profile of a player who could add creativity and depth to their midfield. During a pre‑match press conference ahead of Celtic's opening league fixture against Dundee, manager Martin O'Neill confirmed that a formal offer had been lodged for the midfielder. O'Neill was quick to point out that the proposal fell far short of the club's expectations, stating that it "didn't remotely meet their valuation." This public comment suggests that Celtic are not in a hurry to sell and are prepared to hold out for a sum that reflects Engels' market value and potential resale price.
Celtic's chief executive Michael Nicholson has also spoken about the challenges the club faces in the transfer market. At the club's recent annual general meeting, Nicholson highlighted that competing with Championship teams for targets has become increasingly difficult. He explained that while the club is eager to strengthen the squad, they must also balance financial prudence with the desire to retain key players.
Nicholson's remarks came as manager O'Neill warned that the current roster may not be strong enough to compete for major honours without significant reinforcement. In an effort to address those concerns, Celtic have already made a high‑profile signing by acquiring striker Kasper Høgh from Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt for a club‑record fee. This move demonstrates the club's willingness to invest heavily in areas they deem critical, while still maintaining a firm stance on the price they expect for Engels. The situation remains fluid, and it is still uncertain whether any Premier League clubs will match West Ham's interest and financial offer.
While West Ham appears to be the most vocal suitor at present, other top‑flight teams may still decide to enter the fray, especially if they view Engels as a long‑term investment that could pay dividends both on the pitch and in future transfer markets. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have shifted their focus to another promising midfielder, Lucas Bergvall. Forest's attempts to secure Bergvall from Tottenham Hotspur have stalled, leaving the club to explore alternative options to strengthen their midfield. The ongoing pursuit of both Engels and Bergvall highlights the intense competition among English clubs for emerging talent from across Europe.
In summary, West Ham's bid for Arne Engels underscores the club's ambition to return to the Premier League by adding quality players capable of influencing games at a high level. Celtic, on the other hand, are determined to receive a fee that reflects Engels' potential and their own financial strategy.
As negotiations continue, fans of both clubs will be watching closely to see whether a deal materialises, and if so, what impact it will have on the upcoming season for West Ham, Celtic, and the broader transfer market.