Crystal Palace are intensifying their pursuit of Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, according to TEAMtalk, as they simultaneously prepare for a potential bid from Liverpool for Adam Wharton. The 22-year-old Belgian international joined Celtic from Augsburg in 2024 for a club-record fee of £11 million and has quickly become a key player for the Scottish champions.
Engels enjoyed a productive season with Celtic, contributing seven goals and eight assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in their Scottish Premiership title win. His dynamic box-to-box style, technical ability, and eye for goal have attracted attention from several clubs across Europe. Engels recently switched to the DWMA football agency, a move interpreted as signalling his ambition for a new challenge in a more competitive league.
While Celtic are reportedly reluctant to sell a valuable asset, they are open to offers in the region of £25 million or higher. Nottingham Forest previously expressed strong interest, submitting bids – including a £25 million offer – in January, all of which were rejected. However, Crystal Palace have now emerged as frontrunners, actively working to convince Engels to move to Selhurst Park this summer.
Interest in Engels extends beyond the Premier League, with Serie A clubs AC Milan, Roma, Lazio, and Napoli all registering their interest. Additionally, German sides Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have also been linked, offering Engels a potential return to the Bundesliga. Palace’s increased efforts come amidst speculation surrounding the future of Wharton, with Liverpool reportedly considering a significant offer for the Eagles’ midfielder. A move for Engels would provide Palace with midfield reinforcement, regardless of Wharton's situation.
Celtic’s strong negotiating position means any sale of Engels is likely to generate a substantial profit, allowing the club to reinvest in their squad. The next week is expected to be crucial in determining the player’s future, with Palace ‘pushing hard’ to secure his signature.
