adminTottenham Hotspur have set their sights on Celtic midfielder Arne Engels as they look to add further firepower to their squad this summer, according to sources speaking with Football Insider.
The 22-year-old Belgian has caught the eye in Scotland, prompting serious interest from a host of Europe’s elite clubs—including several heavyweights from the English top flight.
Spurs are the newest contenders in the race, with manager Roberto De Zerbi driving an aggressive recruitment strategy. As noted on the latest Transfer Insider podcast, this late surge from North London has turned a few heads, yet it remains a concrete option.
This development follows Tottenham’s significant £185 million splurge earlier in the window to acquire Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali from West Ham and Newcastle, respectively.
However, De Zerbi appears determined to bolster his engine room even further, especially with rumours suggesting that several current squad members could be heading for the exit.
Will Tottenham formalise their interest with a bid?
Football Insider reported back in April that Engels is keen on a Celtic exit this summer, with numerous continental clubs keeping a close watch.
While Spurs have joined the race later than other suitors, their proven financial muscle could make a deal viable. Though the club’s midfield refresh was initially thought to be complete, potential outgoings might force them back into the market—and Engels is now firmly on their radar.
On the Transfer Insider podcast, it was highlighted that Celtic face an uphill battle retaining him past the current window, even after rebuffing an offer in January.
With a longer horizon for planning, Engels is likely to be swayed by the Premier League’s allure. As for Spurs, their entry is surprising following the Tonali and Fernandes deals—but it underscores that their shopping spree isn’t over, even if it’s unclear whether Engels is a priority or a luxury addition.
Who else is in the hunt?
Despite Spurs’ renewed interest, they aren’t alone. The Belgian international is also attracting attention from Bundesliga outfits like Borussia Dortmund, alongside clubs in Serie A and La Liga.
Furthermore, Football Insider disclosed on 17 July that Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, and Fulham are all preparing their own advances to lure Engels to England.
The Scottish champions turned down a £25 million bid in January, yet they are expected to be more amenable to offers this summer—putting interested parties on high alert.
Forest, who lodged that winter approach, could reignite their pursuit, while Palace and Fulham are equally eager to pile on the pressure in the race for the highly-rated midfielder.
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