Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly plotting a surprise move for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, with the 22-year-old said to be open to a switch to the Premier League.
The interest emerges despite Spurs already strengthening their midfield significantly this summer under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
De Zerbi has already brought in Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, making his side’s pursuit of Engels an unexpected development in the transfer window.
According to a report from Football Insider, Tottenham are plotting a move for the Belgian, who could cost £25m this summer.
Transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke believes Celtic will find it extremely difficult to keep hold of their key midfielder despite rejecting a January offer.
O’Rourke said: “It’s going to be hard for Celtic to keep hold of him this summer, despite rejecting an offer for him in January.”
He added: “I’m sure Engels himself would be interested in the move away if a move to the Premier League comes up.”
O’Rourke also acknowledged the unusual nature of the pursuit, saying: “They’ve bolstered their midfield already with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.”
Former Scotland international James McFadden has been among those singing the praises of the Belgian, highlighting his composure and tactical intelligence on the pitch.
McFadden said: “He’s a class act. You can see the confidence. Sometimes you see players who move for big money and you think: ‘How are they going to cope with that pressure?’ Especially at a young age.”
McFadden continued: “He’s recently turned 21, but he is class. He’s so comfortable on the ball and his understanding of playing in that midfield position well. He knows when to go high, when to tuck around. His reading of the game, he’s tracking back and covering his teammates.”
Engels joined Celtic from FC Augsburg and has since made 64 Scottish Premiership appearances over the past two seasons, contributing 14 goals and nine assists.
The midfielder also averages 3.7 defensive contributions per 90 minutes, demonstrating a well-rounded profile that goes beyond just his attacking output.
Engels has also earned four senior caps for Belgium, adding international pedigree to what is already a compelling case for a Premier League move.
Compared to the other midfield signings at Spurs this summer, Engels represents considerably better value at a reported £25m fee.
Tonali brings the most Champions League experience of the three, having made 32 appearances in the competition, picking up one goal and four assists throughout that run.
Fernandes arguably outperformed Tonali in the Premier League last season, contributing three goals and four assists compared to the Italian’s solitary assist and no goals.
Engels remains the most affordable and perhaps the most intriguing option, offering Spurs a young, dynamic midfielder with room to grow further at the highest level.