Lazio eye Arne Engels as possible Dele-Bashiru replacement | OneFootball

According to The Laziali, Lazio are exploring a move for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, who could become a priority if Dele-Bashiru is sold, with Premier League interest also in the frame.

January arrival Kenneth Taylor has impressed since joining from Ajax, yet Maurizio Sarri viewed him as a partner for Matteo Guendouzi rather than a successor, and believes Guendouzi’s switch to Fenerbahce has left a gap.

Lazio made contact over Engels in January and the pursuit would firm up should they offload Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The Serie A club are prepared to consider offers from €15 million for the Nigerian international.

Engels came through at Club Brugge, spent 18 months with Augsburg, then joined Celtic in summer 2024 for €13 million. The 22-year-old has become a regular under Martin O’Neill, making 40 appearances this season with five goals and seven assists.

Primarily a box-to-box option, he can also sit deeper and has filled in at right-back and on the right wing.

Nottingham Forest are also keen and reportedly lodged a €25 million bid in January that was rejected. They could return in the summer, and with Engels under contract until June 2028, Celtic could look to bank a profit.

Source: The Laziali