Celtic to submit improved second offer for Arne Engels, Brendan Rodgers wants deal done

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Celtic are ramping up their pursuit of Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels as Brendan Rodgers looks to secure quality midfield additions.

The 20-year-old has emerged on the Bhoys radar and is one of their top targets before the window closes on Friday.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reported yesterday that Celtic had made a £6.5 million offer for Engels and that the player was keen on the move.

Dialogue is live involving the man in question and the Bhoys want the versatile star as one of two midfield arrivals before the deadline.

LAFC star Mateusz Bogusz could be the other, given Celtic have submitted a formal bid for the former Leeds United man, who can also operate off the flank or as a striker.

Now, Joseph and Florian Plettenberg have both provided some fresh insight on the Bhoys’ race to get Engels through the door.

The latest on Arne Engels as Celtic

Taking to social media platform X, Joseph has revealed that Celtic are set to submit a second bid for Engels after seeing their initial £6.5 million approach turned down.

“UPDATE: Celtic are making an improved offer of £9m for Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels. Augsburg rejected Celtic’s first offer of £6.5m & aren’t keen to sell. However, Celtic are pushing for a deal with Brendan Rodgers very keen to sign Engels. Talks continue.”

Augsburg aren’t keen to sell the player, but talks are continuing as Brendan Rodgers remains ‘very keen’ to get one of his top targets in the building before Friday’s cut-off point.

Florian Plettenberg’s insight on Celtic’s Engels pursuit

If you haven’t noticed, Joseph credited journalist Plettenberg in his summary of events. Here is what the Sky Germany man has had to say on Celtic’s pursuit of Engels.

He added: “FC Augsburg have rejected a first offer of £6.5m from @CelticFC for Arne Engels. … a new and improved offer could follow soon. Augsburg want to keep 20 y/o Engels, considering him as an important player. FCA only willing to think about his departure with offers of around €13-15m all-in. Brendan Rodgers wants him!”

In pounds, €13-15 million translates to about £10.9 million-£12.6 million, just to add a little more context to a situation that is evolving at a rapid rate.

There may be room for compromise somewhere along the line, and it remains to be seen how Celtic’s latest offer will be received by the Bundesliga outfit.