Celtic submit £10m offer for midfielder who could replace Matt O’Riley

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Celtic are moving quickly to spend the money generated from Matt O’Riley’s move to Brighton.

Matt O’Riley completed a £30million move to the Amex Stadium this week and there is now a gaping hole in Celtic‘s midfield that they are desperate to fill.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have made a perfect start to the season with three wins and no goals conceded, but Matt O’Riley‘s exit is a huge blow and reinforcements will now be needed before the window slams shut.

Celtic have made a bid for Gustav Isaksen, to initially take the winger on loan with an option to buy him for £12million next summer.

The Glasgow giants are also in the market for a new midfielder to replace O’Riley and they have set their sights on Augsburg starlet Arne Engels.

Celtic have agreed personal terms with Engels, and reports suggest they have now submitted a hefty bid.

Celtic submit £10m Arne Engels bid

O’Riley arrived at Celtic Park in 2022 as a young and unproven talent and it seems the Hoops are trying to replicate that pathway with a move for Engels.

The 20-year-old has impressed in the Bundesliga and has cemented a first-team spot at Augsburg.

Augsburg boss Jess Thorup addressed the interest in Engels, saying “I think he will be in our squad for the next game. I heard about the rumours. I don‘t know what will happen in the last couple of days.”

However, Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has now said that Celtic have increased their offer for Engels up to £10million and are “accelerating their pursuit”.

“Celtic are accelerating their pursuit of Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels – with their offer now standing at £10m,” Joseph posted.

“Augsburg are still holding out for more, but negotiations continue. If a deal gets done, it will likely be a record transfer outlay for Celtic.”

Potential club-record deal

Celtic broke their club transfer record with a £9.5million deal for Adam Idah this summer after the forward impressed on loan last season.

READ MORE: ‘Very complete’ player set to sign for Celtic imminently as transfer documents now finalised

TBR Football understands that Augsburg want a fee of around £12million for Engels, which would make him a new record signing.

Celtic are growing in confidence that they can sign both Engels and Mateusz Bogusz this summer but talks are still ongoing over fees.