Celtic midfielder Arne Engels has emerged as a potential replacement for Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest as speculation surrounding the English midfielder’s future continues to intensify.
Anderson has attracted strong interest from both Manchester United and Manchester City following an impressive campaign at the City Ground, with Forest now reportedly considering possible options should the midfielder depart this summer.
Forest previously attempted to sign Engels during the January transfer window and saw three separate bids rejected by Celtic, including a reported £25million Deadline Day offer for the Belgian midfielder.
Despite failing to secure a deal earlier in the year, reports suggest Forest remain interested in the 22-year-old ahead of the summer market, although competition for his signature is beginning to grow.
Bundesliga side RB Leipzig’s and Serie A giants Lazio are also believed to be monitoring the Celtic midfielder’s situation closely.
Anderson Continues To Attract Major Interest
Anderson has enjoyed arguably the best spell of his career since arriving at Nottingham Forest and has quickly established himself as one of the club’s most important players.
The former Newcastle United midfielder has been one of the few bright sparks in what proved to be a difficult season for Forest, with his performances now attracting attention from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Manchester City and Manchester United are both reportedly preparing moves for the England international, while Forest boss Vitor Pereira is believed to value the midfielder at more than £100million.
Scotland international Robert Snodgrass believes that if Anderson eventually leaves the City Ground, Engels could become a serious target once again for Forest.
Engels Backed To Thrive In Premier League
Speaking recently, Snodgrass praised Engels for his performances during the closing stages of the season and suggested the Belgian still has plenty of room for development.
“Arne Engels was excellent in the recent Old Firm game,” Snodgrass explained.
“I think he brought an energy and fitness level that Celtic perhaps lacked towards the end of the season. Now that he’s won the title, he’ll want to continue improving and reaching the next level.
“It’s probably been a little stop-start for him overall, but there’s no doubt he has huge potential. With Nottingham Forest being long-term admirers, I could definitely see them considering him as a replacement if Elliot Anderson leaves.”
Celtic Star Played Key Role In Domestic Double
Celtic’s decision to reject Forest’s significant January offer drew attention at the time, especially after Engels suffered a thigh injury only days later.
However, the midfielder recovered in time to play an important role during the final weeks of the campaign as Celtic secured another domestic double.
Engels scored in the decisive final-day league clash against Hearts and also found the net in the Scottish Cup final victory over Dunfermline Athletic.
Manchester Clubs Continue Monitoring Situation
Alongside Manchester United and Manchester City, Arsenal are also believed to be monitoring Anderson’s development closely.
However, reports suggest Manchester City are currently leading the race for the midfielder, who recently earned a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad ahead of this summer’s tournament in North America.
Anderson switched his international allegiance to England in 2024 despite representing Scotland throughout most youth levels earlier in his career.
The midfielder joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United two years ago in a deal worth around £35million, and if current rumours prove accurate, Forest could stand to make a huge profit from any potential summer sale.
Such a deal would also hand the club greater financial flexibility in the market — potentially reopening the door for a renewed move for Engels.
