West Ham United are preparing a third bid for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels after banking £10m from the sale of Freddie Potts to Club Brugge. The Hammers, who finished 18th in the Premier League last season with 39 points from 38 games (10W-9D-19L), see Engels as a key target to bolster their midfield ahead of their Championship campaign.
Why is West Ham United pursuing Arne Engels?
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have already had two offers for the 22-year-old Belgian rejected but are expected to return with an improved proposal. Celtic, who value Engels at around £25m, are holding out for a fee close to that mark, despite West Ham’s urgency to complete the deal before their season opener against Burnley on August 16.
How does the Potts sale impact West Ham United’s plans?
The £10m received for Potts, combined with funds from the £145m departures of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville, gives West Ham United financial flexibility. With their recent form reading WLLLW and a -19 goal difference last season (46 scored, 65 conceded), reinforcing the squad is critical as they aim for an immediate Premier League return.
What’s next for West Ham United in the transfer window?
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has admitted West Ham United’s interest is genuine but insists their valuation must be met. Engels, who has two years left on his contract, could yet feature in Celtic’s Champions League play-off qualifier against LASK Linz later this month unless a deal is struck sooner.
