Meet Arne Engels: The West Ham transfer target who rivalled Kevin De Bruyne in training

Arne Engels is of interest to West Ham United this summer.

The Hammers want to add to their midfield after the departure of Mateus Fernandes, and they appear to have outlined their key target.

Engels has been a major success in Scotland for Celtic, and has 17 goals to his name for the Hoops in less than 100 appearances.

The 22-year-old helped his side to win the Scottish Premiership last season, and is backed to go on to win much more in his career.

Though he was unable to make the cut for Belgium's World Cup squad, he has made four appearances for his nation in total.

Engels has even gone up against the likes of Kevin De Bruyne in training, as West Ham may hope to be getting their own set-piece maestro soon.

How Arne Engels has matched up against Kevin De Bruyne amid West Ham interest

West Ham Zone understands that Engels is wanted at the London Stadium, with the player even reported to have agreed terms over a move to join Nuno Espirito Santo's side.

However, the Hammers are still in talks with Celtic, and are yet to agree a club-to-club agreement.

Now that Fernandes has left E20, the Irons are in need of another midfielder who can do a bit of everything.

Engels is the epitome of that, with set-pieces one outstanding string to his bow.

While speaking to the Scottish Sun in April of 2025, former Celtic man and Belgium coach Andreas Hinkel admitted just how good Engels was at set-pieces in comparison to De Bruyne.

Hinkel said: “He [Engels] has a very powerful right foot and I remember we did a competition with set-pieces at one camp.

"De Bruyne was the best, but Arne wasn’t that far behind him. I remember thinking, ‘Wow, he has so much potential for the future’".

The words should act as major encouragement for West Ham, a side who know all about De Bruyne and has free-kick magic in the Premier League over the years with Manchester City.

De Bruyne is one of the greatest ever players to play in the Premier League, and if the Hammers can get a player that has similar qualities, they are onto a winner.

What Martin O'Neill has said about Engels to West Ham

West Ham have made a bid and want to reach an agreement with Celtic, given personal terms have already been agreed between them and Engels.

It's not reported that the young central midfielder will force a move, but it's clear he's open to moving to the London Stadium.

His manager Martin O'Neill has spoken about the reported interest this Friday.

Martin confirmed the bid, but claimed it was nowhere near what Celtic value the player at, with it said to have been rejected.

West Ham may have to up their offer if they are to land Engels, who appears to be a player with a very high ceiling.