Nottingham Forest submit a ‘formal offer’ for a £25m midfielder amid hints of a Celtic transfer.

Nottingham Forest have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Celtic midfielder Arne Engels by submitting a formal offer as they continue searching for reinforcements during the summer transfer window.

The Premier League club have admired the Belgian international for several months, and fresh reports suggest they are once again making serious attempts to secure his signature. Their renewed interest comes as Celtic manager Martin O’Neill openly acknowledged that the midfielder could leave Parkhead before the transfer window closes.

Celtic’s Arne Engels is a transfer target for Nottingham Forest(Image: PA)

With Forest eager to strengthen their midfield following a major departure, and Celtic appearing more open to negotiations than they were earlier in the year, the transfer saga could soon reach a decisive stage.

Forest Yet to Complete a Summer Signing

Despite the summer transfer window being well underway, Nottingham Forest have not yet announced a new arrival.

The club remain focused on identifying players capable of improving the squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign, with strengthening the midfield becoming one of the highest priorities.

Following significant changes behind the scenes and a new coaching era beginning at the City Ground, recruitment has become increasingly important as preparations continue for the new season.

Forest supporters are therefore eagerly awaiting the club’s first major signing, and Arne Engels has once again emerged as one of the leading names on their shortlist.

Interest in Engels Continues After January Attempts

Nottingham Forest’s admiration for Engels is far from new.

The club made several determined attempts to sign the midfielder during the January transfer window but were repeatedly frustrated by Celtic’s refusal to sell.

Reports at the time suggested Forest submitted three separate offers.

Initial proposals worth approximately £14 million and £17 million were both rejected by the Scottish champions.

The Premier League side then returned with a significantly improved package reportedly worth as much as £25 million shortly before the transfer deadline.

Despite the substantial increase, Celtic remained unwilling to sanction a late departure because of concerns about replacing such an important player before the window closed.

Fresh Offer Submitted This Summer

According to reports from Belgium, Nottingham Forest have now renewed their efforts.

Voetbal Krant claims the Premier League side are pushing aggressively to secure Engels and have already submitted a formal opening offer.

While the exact financial details have not yet been disclosed, the report suggests Forest are eager to gain an early advantage in the race before rival clubs intensify their own interest.

Having experienced frustration during the previous transfer window, Forest appear determined to begin negotiations much earlier this time.

That approach could significantly improve their chances of reaching an agreement with Celtic before the closing stages of the window.

Martin O’Neill Acknowledges Possible Exit

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has also discussed Engels’ future during the club’s pre-season preparations.

Although he stressed that no concrete developments had yet taken place, the manager admitted he expects renewed interest in the Belgian midfielder.

O’Neill explained that Forest’s previous attempts arrived too late for Celtic to seriously consider selling.

With little time remaining before the January deadline, the club simply could not risk losing such an important player without securing an adequate replacement.

However, he suggested circumstances may now be different.

If interested clubs approach Celtic earlier in the transfer window, there may be greater willingness to consider offers.

Timing Could Prove Decisive

One of the central themes emerging from O’Neill’s comments is the importance of timing.

Rather than rejecting the possibility of selling Engels altogether, the Celtic manager indicated that early negotiations would provide the club with enough time to identify suitable replacements.

Late bids inevitably place clubs under pressure because replacing key players becomes increasingly difficult as deadlines approach.

That issue ultimately prevented Forest from signing Engels during the winter window.

This summer, beginning discussions much earlier gives both clubs considerably greater flexibility.

Should an acceptable offer arrive soon, Celtic would have sufficient opportunity to reinvest before the transfer window closes.

Growing Belief That Departure Is Near

Belgian reports suggest confidence is increasing that Engels could leave Celtic before the end of the summer.

According to Voetbal Krant, the possibility of the midfielder departing is growing stronger with each passing day.

The publication even suggests an agreement regarding the player’s future could be reached within the current week.

Although no official confirmation has yet emerged from either club, speculation surrounding the midfielder continues intensifying.

With multiple clubs monitoring the situation, the coming days may prove crucial in determining where Engels plays next season.

Strong Competition From Other Clubs

While Nottingham Forest appear determined to secure the signing, they are far from the only club monitoring Engels.

Several Premier League rivals are also believed to be following his progress closely.

Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham have all reportedly expressed interest in the Belgian midfielder.

Competition extends beyond England as well.

Italian side Lazio, Spanish clubs Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, along with Roma, are also credited with admiration for the Celtic star.

Such widespread interest reflects the reputation Engels has built since arriving in Scotland.

Forest therefore know they must act decisively if they hope to stay ahead of their competitors.

Forest Looking to Replace Elliot Anderson

Strengthening central midfield has become even more important for Nottingham Forest following the departure of Elliot Anderson.

The England international recently completed a high-profile transfer to Manchester City in a deal reportedly worth £116 million.

Replacing such an influential player represents one of the club’s biggest challenges during the current transfer window.

Forest believe Engels possesses many of the qualities needed to help fill that significant gap.

His technical ability, energy and attacking contribution have made him an attractive option as the club reshapes its midfield for the new campaign.

Several Midfield Targets Under Consideration

Although Engels remains a priority target, Nottingham Forest continue assessing a number of alternatives.

Reports have linked the club with Tottenham Hotspur youngster Lucas Bergvall as another possible midfield addition.

Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi has also reportedly attracted attention.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones has emerged as another player under consideration as Forest continue evaluating multiple options.

Maintaining several targets provides flexibility should negotiations for any individual player become complicated.

Nevertheless, Engels appears to remain one of the club’s preferred choices.

Engels Has Flourished Since Joining Celtic

The Belgian midfielder has developed considerably since completing his move to Celtic from Augsburg two years ago.

The Scottish champions invested approximately £11 million to secure his signature, and that decision has proved highly successful.

Since arriving at Parkhead, Engels has accumulated close to 100 appearances across all competitions.

During that period he has contributed 17 goals while also establishing himself as one of Celtic’s most consistent midfield performers.

His development has naturally attracted attention from clubs across Europe, explaining why interest continues growing this summer.

New Era Beginning at the City Ground

Whoever Nottingham Forest eventually recruit will become part of an exciting new chapter at the club.

Recently appointed head coach Oliver Glasner is preparing for his first full season in charge and is expected to have significant input into recruitment decisions.

The Austrian manager will use pre-season to implement his tactical philosophy while integrating new arrivals into the squad.

Adding players capable of fitting his preferred style of football remains an important objective.

Should Forest successfully complete the signing of Arne Engels, the Belgian midfielder could become one of the first major additions of the Glasner era and play a central role as the club looks to build a competitive squad capable of progressing in the Premier League during the upcoming campaign.