Lazio Consider Replacing Nigerian Midfielder With Celtic Star Wanted at Forest | OneFootball

Lazio are reportedly interested in Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, but face competition from the Premier League.

Lazio Still Searching for Matteo Guendouzi’s Heir

The Biancocelesti bought Kenneth Taylor from Ajax in January, and he proved to be one of the club’s best winter signings in the past decade. However, Maurizio Sarri insisted that the Dutchman was supposed to complement Matteo Guendouzi rather than replace him, so he feels that the Frenchman’s departure to Fenerbahce has left a major void that hasn’t been addressed.

Lazio Plan to Replace Fisayo Dele-Bashiru with Arne Engels

According to Italian journalist Lorenzo Lepore, Lazio have set their sights on Engels, a midfielder whom they had already contacted in January. He would become a more concrete target should the Aquile succeed in selling Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The Italian capital side would entertain offers for the Nigerian international starting from €15 million.

Arne Engels’ Career Path, Stats & Playing Role

Engels is a Club Brugge youth product who had an 18-month experience at Bundesliga club Augsburg before joining Celtic in the summer of 2024 for €13 million. The 22-year-old has now established himself as a regular starter in Martin O’Neill’s plans. He has made 40 appearances across all competitions this season, contributing with five goals and seven assists.

The Belgian mostly operates as a box-to-box midfielder, making him a natural successor for Guendouzi in Lazio’s three-man midfield. Nevertheless, he can also play in a deeper role when required, and was even used as a right-back and a right winger on some occasions.

Nottingham Forest Also Involved in the Race for Engels

Engels is also a target for Nottingham Forest, who had reportedly bid €25 million to acquire his services in January, but to no avail. The Premier League side could revive their interest in the summer, while it remains to be seen how much resistance Celtic will put up. With the midfielder’s contract expiring in June 2028, the Scottish giants could seize the opportunity to register a profit.