Arne Engels is starting to look like one of the names that could dominate Celtic’s summer.
Back in January, the club made it clear where they stood. Nottingham Forest came in more than once, three bids in total, with the last package climbing to around £25 million with add ons. Celtic did not blink. The message was simple, he was not going anywhere.
That should have settled it. It did not.
Forest have not gone away and are still keeping tabs, with the expectation they could come back in when the window opens again. This time, though, they might not have a clear run at him.
Lazio have now entered the picture and the interest from Italy looks serious. The Serie A side are weighing up changes in midfield and see Engels as someone who could step in if they decide to move players on. Reports from Italy suggest a few clubs are now watching closely, which is how these situations tend to escalate quickly.
What helps drive all of this is what he is doing on the pitch.
After coming back from injury, Engels stepped straight into the starting line up at Hampden and you could feel the difference. Celtic had more drive, more purpose, more control. When he came off, that edge dropped. It was obvious, and those are the kind of details scouts notice.
There are still a few moving parts. Lazio, for example, may be heading into a managerial change, and that could shift their priorities depending on who comes in.
From Celtic’s side, they held their ground once already. Doing it again, especially with more clubs circling and the player’s stock rising, could be a much harder conversation this time around.