Celtic‘s Arne Engels has been linked with a host of clubs across Europe. The first steps for an exit could now be taking shape.
The Belgian has spent two full seasons in Glasgow, experiencing European football in both the campaigns. This wasn’t the case at Augsburg, who received £11m from his exit in 2024.
Sport Witness have covered how Nottingham Forest had been considered favourites to sign the Celtic midfielder. They see him as a replacement for Elliot Anderson but for now, the Midlands club haven’t stepped forward with a formal approach.
AS Roma can take advantage, and according to local claims they’re aware how much Celtic want.
First approach made
Il Messaggero report the Italian club could yet lose Manu Kone this summer. Issues with UEFA FFP meant they had to earn a significant amount by June 30th to avoid a sanction or fine. This made Kone a key candidate to leave but with the deadline having passed, he could still depart.
That will leave Roma scrambling for replacements.
Gian Piero Gasperini sees Celtic’s Engels as an important option and initial contact with his entourage has been made in ‘recent days’. This is seen as the first step before a formal approach.
The Hoops’ valuation for the midfielder stands at €20-€25m, according to the newspaper, which is something Roma could cover.
Everything is likely to depend on Kone’s exit, though. Niccolo Pisilli will stay in Rome and the Italian side are also keen on keeping hold of Neil El Aynaoui, who is shining at the World Cup.
Valuation could be higher
Considering the amount of interest in Engels, the 22-year-old is likely to cost more than €25m. English clubs can easily meet that asking price, especially as Nottingham Forest have earned a huge amount from Anderson’s departure.
Crystal Palace have also been mentioned as a suitor. They won the Conference League some weeks ago, and that help their finances.
All this will make things quite complicated for Roma. It will allow Celtic to raise their asking price beyond what many Italian clubs can cover
