Arsenal and Manchester United have joined the race to sign 20-year-old Algerian international Ibrahim Maza from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen next year.
According to a report by Fussball News, Ibrahim Maza is also the subject of interest from Manchester City, with the Premier League club, along with Atletico Madrid, already establishing contact to discuss a deal. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen will demand a premium to part ways with the Berlin-born attacking prospect, with the Bundesliga club slapping a price tag of €65-70 million on him.
Who is Ibrahim Maza?
Ibrahim Maza has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the Bundesliga since joining Bayer Leverkusen from Hertha BSC in July 2025. Born in Berlin, the 20-year-old began his youth career at Reinickendorfer Fuchse but spent most of his formative years with Hertha BSC and graduated from the German club’s academy.
The Algerian international made significant progress in the 2025/26 season with 5 goals and 7 assists in 44 outings. The youngster has started the new campaign even more impressively, having scored once and provided two assists in four appearances thus far. Meanwhile, Maza’s exploits have piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, particularly from the Premier League.
A man in demand
Arsenal considered signing the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker in the summer transfer window, but a deal did not materialise. However, the continued interest is baffling, as Martin Odegaard has been exceptional in the first month of the 2026/27 season and is performing at his best. With Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino deputising in the position when required, Maza is not an option worth considering, with a new left-winger a more urgent target area.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Maza has been on Manchester City’s wishlist for a long time, and they considered signing him this past summer. However, the continued interest is perplexing, as Rayan Cherki has been exceptional since arriving from Lyon. With Phil Foden also an option for the no. 10 berth, it is unclear how Maza will fit into the scheme of things at Manchester City.
As for Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes’s advancing age may have prompted the discussion of a possible move for the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker. With the Manchester United captain yet to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, Maza has emerged as an appealing target due to his physical profile and potential.
With Arsenal and Manchester City not having an urgent need for a player like Maza, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid may feel they are best-placed to secure his services. However, a deal will not be straightforward due to Bayer Leverkusen’s asking price of €65-70 million to sell the Algerian international.