Napoli have reportedly entered the race for Celtic star Arne Engels. The Italian giants are keeping tabs on the midfielder, with clubs lining up for a potential deal.
Napoli Join the Chase
The four-time Belgium cap is attracting suitors across Europe, just months after Nottingham Forest saw a £25million bid rejected by the Scottish champions in the winter window. Sources in Engels’ homeland have told Record Sport that the Celtic midfielder has switched agents as he looks to take the next step in his career.
After being dethroned as Serie A champions last season, Napoli are reportedly the latest club monitoring the £11m record signing. Tutto Mercato Web state that Naples chiefs are “evaluating the situation” around the 22-year-old, who “appeals” to the club as they prepare to lose Zambo Anguissa and Matias Olivera this summer.
Growing Interest from Italy and England
Lazio’s interest in Engels emerged last month, and Milan have also been flagged as an interested party in recent weeks. However, the Italian report notes that Napoli’s biggest rivals in the transfer battle come from the Premier League. Nottingham Forest, Fulham, and Sunderland are said to have “submitted inquiries” for Engels. Vítor Pereira’s side are keen on the playmaker as a replacement for Elliot Anderson, who is subject to interest from Manchester City.
Engels Non-Committal on Future
After winning the Scottish Cup to round off a double-winning season, Engels was non-committal about his Celtic future. He said: “Yeah, we will see. I still have a contract, so we will see what happens. Firstly, I want to thank all the fans. They are just amazing. They helped us throughout the season, and to be there, they have helped us to get the double. In the end, we will see what happens in the summer. I am really happy here at Celtic. It’s an unbelievable club. I’m really proud to represent Celtic.”
