Crystal Palace join Nottingham Forest in battle for Arne Engels as Celtic face transfer threat

Crystal Palace have emerged as serious contenders to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, setting up a potential transfer battle with Nottingham Forest.

The Belgium international has attracted growing attention following another impressive season in Scotland, and both Premier League clubs are now positioning themselves for a possible summer move.

With uncertainty surrounding Elliot Anderson's future at Nottingham Forest, Engels has reportedly become a key target for Vítor Pereira.

Nottingham Forest's interest in Engels is not new.

The club explored a move during the January transfer window but were unable to reach an agreement.

Now, with Elliot Anderson increasingly linked with a big-money move away from the City Ground, Forest have revived their pursuit.

Manchester City continue to be strongly linked with Anderson, while Manchester United are also credited with maintaining an interest.

As a result, Forest are reportedly planning for the possibility of losing one of their most important midfielders.

Engels has emerged as a leading candidate to fill that potential vacancy.

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Crystal Palace have now joined the race and are actively attempting to persuade the Celtic midfielder to choose Selhurst Park over Nottingham Forest.

The Eagles are understood to view Engels as a strong fit for their evolving midfield structure and believe they have an important advantage in negotiations.

That advantage comes in the form of European football.

Following their UEFA Conference League triumph, Crystal Palace secured qualification for the Europa League and can offer continental competition next season.

For many players, particularly ambitious young internationals, that can be a significant factor when choosing between clubs.

At 22, Engels fits the profile many Premier League sides are actively pursuing.

He offers room for development while already possessing experience at senior level and in high-pressure environments.

His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him particularly appealing in modern midfield systems.

For Nottingham Forest, he could provide a natural replacement if Anderson departs.

For Crystal Palace, he represents another ambitious addition as the club prepares for the challenge of balancing domestic football with European competition.

While Nottingham Forest can offer a prominent role and a growing project under Pereira, Crystal Palace may hold a significant advantage.

Europa League football provides a platform that Forest currently cannot match.

Whether that proves decisive remains unclear, but it is undoubtedly a factor Palace will emphasise heavily during discussions.

The battle for Engels appears to be entering a more serious phase as Premier League interest intensifies. Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace both have compelling arguments, while Celtic must decide what level of offer would tempt them into negotiations.

Should Anderson leave Forest this summer, their pursuit could accelerate rapidly. For now, however, Crystal Palace are making it clear they have no intention of allowing a straightforward path to the signing.

If you were Arne Engels, would you choose Nottingham Forest's long-term project or Crystal Palace's European football?