Full Breakdown
Napoli and Other European Clubs Pursue Celtic Midfielder Arne Engels
6/12/2026, 10:13:37 PM
Transfer Race Intensifies for Arne Engels
Napoli have entered the race for 22-year-old Arne Engels, a four-time Belgium international signed by Celtic for a reported £11 million. Interest also comes from Lazio, AC Milan and Premier League sides Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Sunderland, all of which have reportedly submitted inquiries. Engels recently changed agents as he evaluates his options for the upcoming summer window.
Recent Context and Celtic’s Season
Engels joined Celtic in the winter window, becoming the club’s record signing at £11 million. He helped Celtic secure a domestic double, winning the Scottish Cup to cap the season. A £25 million bid from Nottingham Forest was rejected by Celtic during that same window, leaving the player under contract for another year.
Principal Actors
- Arne Engels – Celtic midfielder, Belgium international.
- Napoli – Serie A club assessing a potential signing.
- Lazio and AC Milan – Italian clubs monitoring Engels.
- Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Sunderland – Premier League clubs with reported inquiries.
- Vítor Pereira – Celtic manager, noted as seeking a replacement for Elliot Anderson.
Timeline of Key Events
- Winter 2023-24: Nottingham Forest’s £25 million offer rejected.
- Spring 2024: Engels contributes to Celtic’s double-winning season.
- Recent weeks (June 2024): Napoli, Lazio, Milan and Premier League clubs publicly linked to Engels; agent switch confirmed.
Core Data
- Age: 22
- International caps: 4 for Belgium
- Celtic transfer fee: £11 million (record signing)
- Rejected Forest bid: £25 million
- Napoli’s upcoming departures: Zambo Anguissa and Matias Olivera
Significance
Engels’ potential departure could weaken Celtic’s midfield after a successful campaign, while Napoli view him as a replacement for departing midfielders. Premier League clubs see him as a possible solution for creative gaps, notably as a replacement for Elliot Anderson at Celtic.
Official Statements & Responses
Napoli officials said they are “evaluating the situation” and consider Engels an “appealing” target as they prepare for the loss of Zambo Anguissa and Matias Olivera. Engels expressed gratitude to fans and happiness at Celtic, while noting his contract allows a summer decision. No formal offers have been confirmed by any club.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No club has confirmed a concrete offer; interest is reported by multiple media outlets. Details on transfer fees, contract clauses and exact timelines remain unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “evaluating the situation” — Napoli chief (Tutto Mercato Web)
- “appeals” — Napoli chief (Tutto Mercato Web)
- “submitted inquiries” — Premier League clubs (Daily Record)
- “Firstly, I want to thank all the fans.” — Arne Engels, Celtic midfielder
- “I am really happy here at Celtic. It’s an unbelievable club. I’m really proud to represent Celtic.” — Arne Engels
Outlook
The summer transfer window will determine whether Engels remains at Celtic or moves to Italy or England. Napoli’s squad overhaul, Forest’s midfield restructuring and Celtic’s preparation for European competition will shape negotiations in the coming weeks.
