Nottingham Forest are preparing to reignite their pursuit of one of Celtic’s brightest stars, with fresh reports suggesting the Reds could hijack West Ham United’s move for highly-rated midfielder Arne Engels before the summer transfer window closes.
The Belgian international has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders available this summer after another impressive spell in Scotland, and while West Ham have spent weeks trying to secure his signature, Forest are now firmly back in the race.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Oliver Glasner remains a huge admirer of the 22-year-old and believes he could become a cornerstone of Nottingham Forest’s midfield for years to come.
Forest’s interest is far from new.
The Premier League club made several attempts to sign Engels during the January transfer window, but Celtic stood firm and rejected every approach. With little time left to find a replacement midway through the season, the Scottish champions refused to sanction a sale despite growing interest from England.
Now, however, the circumstances have changed dramatically.
Celtic are reportedly more open to discussing a transfer, although they remain determined to receive a fee that reflects Engels’ growing reputation. That has created an opportunity for both West Ham and Nottingham Forest to battle for one of the most exciting young midfielders available.
West Ham currently appear to be leading negotiations.
The Hammers have already submitted multiple bids in an effort to convince Celtic to sell, but neither proposal has met the Scottish club’s valuation. Despite those setbacks, talks are continuing behind the scenes, and the London club remain optimistic they can eventually reach an agreement.
Forest, though, could completely change the story.
The Reds are in a strong financial position following the high-profile sale of Elliot Anderson, a deal that significantly boosted the club’s transfer budget. That fresh injection of funds gives Forest the flexibility to compete for premium targets, and Engels remains high on Glasner’s shortlist.
Replacing Anderson has become one of Forest’s biggest priorities this summer.
While the squad has already been strengthened in several areas, Glasner is eager to add another technically gifted midfielder capable of controlling matches, progressing possession and contributing in the final third.
Engels fits that profile perfectly.
Despite his young age, the Belgian has already demonstrated maturity well beyond his years. Comfortable operating as both a central midfielder and a more advanced playmaker, he combines intelligent movement with impressive passing range and composure under pressure.
His performances for Celtic have not gone unnoticed across Europe.
Several Premier League clubs have monitored his development over the past year, but Forest’s long-standing admiration could prove significant if they decide to make their move.
The timing may also work in Forest’s favour.
Unlike January, when Celtic had little room to negotiate due to the late stage of the transfer window, the Scottish champions now have enough time to identify a replacement should they receive an acceptable offer.
However, Celtic are determined not to repeat previous mistakes.
After rejecting offers worth around £25 million earlier this year, they are expected to demand an even higher fee before allowing one of their most valuable assets to leave.
That could create a fascinating bidding war.
West Ham know delaying negotiations increases the risk of another club entering the race, while Forest have both the financial resources and the sporting project to tempt the player with a move to the City Ground.
For Glasner, signing Engels would represent another major statement following an ambitious summer of recruitment.
The Austrian manager is overseeing a significant rebuild aimed at establishing Nottingham Forest as consistent challengers for European football. Bringing in one of Celtic’s standout performers would further underline the club’s growing ambition.
Competition for places has become stronger throughout the squad, and adding a midfielder of Engels’ quality would provide both immediate impact and long-term value.
With the transfer window entering its decisive weeks, the race for the Belgian international is beginning to accelerate.
West Ham may have made the early running, but Nottingham Forest are quietly positioning themselves to launch a dramatic late hijack that could completely change the outcome of one of the summer’s most intriguing Premier League transfer battles.
If Forest decide to act, this transfer saga could have several more twists before the deadline arrives—and Arne Engels may yet find himself wearing the famous Garibaldi red instead of heading to East London.
