Celtic make new £10 million Arne Engels move as negotiations ramp up over potential transfer

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Celtic continue to push for Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels as Brendan Rodgers looks to force late reinforcements over the line.

Yesterday, it came to light that the Bhoys were set to increase their bid to £9 million for the Belgium Under-21 international after seeing a £6.5 million offer rejected for his services.

Rodgers has made it clear that he wants a deal done to bring Engels to Celtic Park. Florian Plettenberg’s added input reveals that Augsburg are demanding roughly between £10.9 million-£12.6 million for the playmaker.

Versatile by nature, the 20-year-old can feature as a midfielder, in a more advanced role or even at right-back if needed. With Matt O’Riley no longer a Celtic player, the need for a quality replacement has become amplified at the club with just a couple of days left before the close of play.

Now, Anthony Joseph has revealed the latest on the situation, which seems to be evolving rapidly ahead of Deadline Day.

The latest on Celtic’s push for Arne Engels

Taking to social media platform X, Joseph has now revealed Celtic’s offer for Engels stands at the £10 million mark as negotiations ramp up over a potential move.

However, he has also indicated that their bid may need to be increased before the window closes and could need to reach landmark territory before an agreement is found.

He stated: “UPDATE: Celtic are accelerating their pursuit of Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels – with their offer now standing at £10m. Augsburg are still holding out for more, but negotiations continue. If a deal gets done, it will likely be a record transfer outlay for Celtic.”

Augsburg look to be driving a hard bargain and still want more for one of their prize assets. However, Celtic seem determined to land their man, and the fact that negotiations are still ongoing is an encouraging sign.

Augsburg boss Jess Thorup on Arne Engels future

Jess Thorup spoke earlier today about Engels’ future at the Bundesliga outfit amid interest from the Hoops, stating: “I think he will be in our squad for next game (vs. Heidenheim on Sunday). I heard about the rumours; I don‘t know what will happen in the last couple of days.”

Remember, managers often say stuff like this to maintain an element of calm in the building despite speculation, so there isn’t much point in reading between the lines to the point of mental exhaustion.

Now, supporters await further updates on Engels as Deadline Day enters from the distance. Strap yourselves in; there may be twists and turns yet to come.