West Ham Closing In on Celtic Midfielder Arne Engels
West Ham United are reportedly edging closer to completing the signing of Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, according to respected Italian transfer journalist Matteo Moretto.
Following last season’s disappointing relegation from the Premier League, the Hammers are determined to bounce back immediately and have already enjoyed a productive summer off the pitch.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has committed his future to the club, while captain Jarrod Bowen also chose to stay despite attracting strong interest from Premier League sides.
Although West Ham have yet to make many additions, they have significantly strengthened their financial position after raising more than £140 million through the sales of Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur and Crysencio Summerville to Al-Hilal.
With fresh funds now available, the club is expected to step up its recruitment as it looks to build a squad capable of securing automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
Hammers Making Progress in Engels Pursuit
According to Moretto, West Ham are now close to agreeing a deal for Celtic star Arne Engels.
The departure of Mateus Fernandes has left a major gap in midfield, and the Belgian international is viewed as a player capable of filling that void.
Since arriving at Celtic in 2024 for what was then a club-record transfer fee, Engels has established himself as one of the Scottish champions’ standout performers. The 22-year-old has contributed 17 goals and 21 assists in 98 appearances, underlining both his creativity and attacking threat from midfield.
A Major Statement of Intent
While no transfer fee has yet been disclosed, Celtic are expected to demand a significant amount for one of their prized assets.
The Scottish champions rejected a £25 million offer from Nottingham Forest earlier this year, highlighting how highly they value the midfielder. Reports from Italy have also suggested that Roma were informed it would take around £26 million to secure his signature.
Whether West Ham are prepared to meet that valuation remains to be seen, particularly after dropping into the Championship. However, their pursuit of Engels sends a clear message that the club is prepared to invest heavily in its bid to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
If completed, the signing of the talented Belgian international would represent one of the Championship’s biggest transfer moves this summer and further strengthen West Ham’s promotion ambitions for the 2026/27 campaign.
