Lazio set to enter summer race for Arne Engels

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The Celtic Star

·22 April 2026

Lazio set to enter summer race for Arne Engels

Lazio are reportedly keeping close tabs on Celtic midfielder Arne Engels as they consider a possible move in the upcoming summer transfer window…

Arne Engels during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

The Belgian has recently returned to action after a two-month injury absence, rejoining Martin O’Neill’s squad during a crucial period of the season.

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Celtic turned down a £25 million bid from Nottingham Forest in January, standing firm on their decision not to sell the player midway through the campaign.

However, interest in Engels has not faded, with Lazio now said to be weighing up a summer approach.

Arne Engels of Celtic scores his team’s third goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Celtic FC and FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on January 29, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Reports in Italy from Lorenzo Lepore claim the midfielder has impressed those at the Serie A club, who could view him as a replacement should Fisayo Dele-Bashiru depart.

Any potential move may hinge on the future of Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri, whose position remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are also believed to be considering a renewed bid, despite their managerial change earlier this year.

Engels is expected to assess his options carefully over the coming months, with his long-term future still unclear. During the winter window, O’Neill had made it clear that only an exceptional offer would persuade Celtic to sell.

RB Leipzig had previously been linked with the midfielder but opted to pursue a deal for Rocco Reitz instead.

Uncertainty also surrounds Celtic’s managerial situation heading into next season. Under O’Neill’s interim spells in charge, Engels has worked his way back into the starting line-up after Brendan Rodgers benched him on a few occasions at the start of the season.

Lazio currently sit ninth in Serie A, though they have lost just once in their last seven matches.

Engels made his first start in Sunday’s 6-2 victory over St Mirren since his hamstring injury which came against Livingston in early February.

Arne Engels. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Given the turnover of players that Celtic will go through in the summer, Engels might see it the perfect opportunity to land a big money move back to one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Conor Spence