West Ham United are preparing an improved formal bid to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, with the East London club determined to secure the Belgian international, according to the Daily Record.
Following high-profile departures such as Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur and Crysencio Summerville to Al-Hilal, the Hammers possess substantial transfer capital and have identified Engels as an ideal midfield target as they prepare to bid farewell to Freddie Potts.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill confirmed that an initial approach from West Ham was formally rejected by the Parkhead hierarchy, noting that the opening offer fell significantly short of their valuation.
The Scottish champions are holding out for a package worth around £25 million, having originally paid a club-record £11 million to sign the 22-year-old from Augsburg in 2024.
Despite Celtic’s firm stance, talks between the clubs remain active. Reports indicate that Engels has already agreed personal terms in principle with West Ham, signalling his readiness to test himself in English football as he enters the final two years of his contract in Glasgow.
Engels’ performances in Scotland – where he registered five goals and three assists in the league last season – have made him one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Scottish football.
Premier League side Nottingham Forest previously had multiple bids rejected during the winter transfer window, while Serie A clubs have also kept tabs on his progress.
However, West Ham are now in direct negotiations and intend to submit an improved package approaching Celtic’s £25 million valuation.
The Hammers hope their revised offer brings them closer to signing Engels as they gear up for life in England’s second tier.