Arne Engels potentinal transfer to West Ham transfer has moved forward, with the Hammers now in talks with Celtic over a deal for the Belgium international.
Sky Sports reports that West Ham are actively pursuing the 22-year-old despite competition from several Premier League clubs.
Transfer reporter Matteo Moretto has gone further by claiming the Hammers are close to signing Engels.
No fee or agreement has been confirmed. However, ExWHUEmployee claims Celtic have rejected multiple West Ham proposals, with the player keen on moving to the London Stadium.
Arne Engels West Ham transfer could solve midfield problem
Engels has two years remaining on his Celtic contract, leaving the Scottish champions in a strong negotiating position.
Celtic rejected three Nottingham Forest offers during the winter window. The final proposal was reportedly worth £20million plus another £5million in potential add-ons.
West Ham may therefore need to approve one of the largest fees ever paid by a Championship club.
Engels would arrive as the leading candidate to replace Mateus Fernandes following his £85million move to Tottenham. The Belgian can operate as a number eight, deeper midfielder or in a more advanced position.
He recorded seven goals and eight assists across 46 Celtic appearances last season. His energy, passing range and set-piece delivery would add qualities currently missing from Nuno Espírito Santo’s midfield.
West Ham have accelerated their pursuit after missing out on £17.3million midfielder Gustavo Sá, who chose Nottingham Forest instead.
Persuading Engels to leave Champions League football for the Championship would represent a significant recruitment success. His reported willingness to join suggests West Ham’s promotion project has made a stronger impression than it did on Sá.
The Arne Engels West Ham transfer is not complete, but talks have progressed beyond the initial interest stage. Reaching Celtic’s valuation now appears to be the key task.
