Club Brugge defender, Bjorn Engels, has revealed his desire to play in the Premier League after Arsenal tried to buy him last summer.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, was previously courted by Arsenal last summer. At the time, he didn’t feel he was ready for such a step-up into England’s top flight.

Having sustained a shoulder injury during Brugge’s opening Champions League group game against Leicester, he has featured regularly for Michel Preud’homme’s side since returning in late December.

Currently contesting play-off rounds within the division, he has made two substitute appearances and started during a 2-2 draw with Zulte-Waregem on Monday afternoon.

Engels spoke honestly when questioned about a possible move, given the interest in his services last summer. In August he said, “That [a move to Arsenal] is a bridge too far for me at the moment. I am staying calm, though. I only want to be informed about it when Club [Brugge] also agree to a transfer.

“We will have to wait and see what happens,” he continued.

As quoted by the Sun he told Belgian newspaper HLN about his excitement watching the Premier League. “Take West Brom against Burnley” he said. “The stadium is packed and it’s ‘go’ from the first to the last minute. It’s fantastic.

“The atmosphere, the interviews, analysis. I have at home a box and can follow all the channels.”

Engels’ comments suggest he’s remaining patient and understands it’s only a matter of time before he can potentially play his trade in England.

Given his current contract doesn’t end until the summer of 2020, it’s unlikely that Brugge will be tempted to sell for anywhere less than £10-15m mark, especially if he doesn’t make clear his intention to leave – as opposed to hinting where his future may lie.