Arne Engels enjoyed the finest season of his career in 2025/26 and, with every influential performance, it became increasingly likely that Celtic would face a battle to keep him.

The Belgian midfielder established himself as one of Martin O'Neill's most important players as the Hoops completed a domestic double and secured another place in the Champions League.

Still only 22, Engels combined end product and relentless energy in midfield, finishing the campaign with seven goals and eight assists in all competitions while becoming one of the first names on O'Neill's teamsheet.

His development has not gone unnoticed.

Nottingham Forest saw three bids rejected during the January window, with the final package worth up to £25 million.

RB Leipzig have also been credited with long-standing interest, while several other Premier League clubs have monitored his progress over recent months as his reputation has continued to grow.

Celtic's position has remained consistent throughout.

The Scottish champions have viewed Engels as a cornerstone of O'Neill's project rather than a player they wanted to cash in on, particularly after investing a club-record fee to sign him from Augsburg in 2024.

His ability to dictate possession, drive forward with the ball and contribute goals from midfield has made him one of the most complete players in the squad.

That has become even more important following speculation surrounding several senior Celtic players this summer.

Reo Hatate has continued to attract attention from clubs across Europe, while Everton have shown interest in right-back Alistair Johnston.

West Ham have now emerged as the latest club hoping to test Celtic's resolve for Engels.

The Hammers are rebuilding after relegation from the Premier League and have significant funds available following several high-profile player sales.

With midfield reinforcements high on their list of priorities, Engels has become one of the standout names under consideration.

However, Celtic have shown little indication that they are prepared to negotiate cheaply.

Celtic set clear Arne Engels price with two West Ham bids already rejected

According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, the Scottish giants are holding out for a package worth around £25 million, which is funnily enough Forest's final offer from January, before considering any deal for Engels.

Joseph reports that West Ham have already seen two bids rejected, although discussions between the clubs remain ongoing as they attempt to reach a breakthrough.

That stance should come as little surprise.

Celtic rejected that £25m offer from Forest only a few months ago because they believed replacing Engels would be extremely difficult, and the midfielder's importance has only grown since then.

If West Ham are to prise him away from Parkhead, they may have to match the valuation Celtic have consistently placed on one of their most valuable assets.

For O'Neill, losing Engels this close to the new season would create a significant problem, particularly with other key players also attracting interest.

For West Ham, meanwhile, securing his signature would represent one of the biggest statements of their summer and provide the creative, hard-working midfielder they believe can become a central figure in their rebuild.

The Bhoys already have a replacement for Engels in mind, as talks remain ongoing to sign Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur.