Arsenal and Tottenham lead race for Leverkusen's Ibrahim Maza
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen attacker Ibrahim Maza, according to TEAMtalk. The 20-year-old Algerian has five goal contributions in six games this season and is valued at £38m by Transfermarkt.
- Player: Ibrahim Maza
- Current club: Bayer Leverkusen
- Interested clubs: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston Villa
- Valuation: £38m (Transfermarkt)
- Contract until: 2030
- Season stats: 5 goal contributions in 6 games for club and country
Deal details
Arsenal and Tottenham are monitoring Maza's progress and are now stepping up their interest, per TEAMtalk. Both clubs have watched him this season. Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa are also set to battle for his signature.
Any deal would require a concrete offer, as Leverkusen will likely demand a fee well above his £38m Transfermarkt valuation. His contract runs until 2030, giving the Bundesliga club a strong negotiating position.
The numbers
- Bundesliga chances created per game: 3.25
- Dribbles per 90 minutes: 2.25
- Duels won per game: 4.75
- Recoveries per game: 3.75
- Goal contributions in 2026-27 (club and country): 5 in 6 games
What was said
"fantastic"
"superb"
Hjulmand's praise came after a man-of-the-match performance against Benfica in the Champions League. The fact that a manager of his experience singled out Maza's display under European lights underlines the youngster's big-game temperament.
Those quotes also set the benchmark for Maza's development. Hjulmand described him as "fantastic" and "superb", and six games into the new season under Carles Martinez, the Algerian is doing enough to live up to that billing.
Why Maza fits Arsenal and Tottenham's transfer model
Ibrahim Maza is exactly the profile both North London clubs covet: a young, multi-functional attacker with Bundesliga and Champions League experience. His creative output (3.25 chances per game) and willingness to defend (4.75 duels won, 3.75 recoveries per game) make him a natural fit for the high-pressing, possession-heavy styles of Mikel Arteta and Thomas Frank.
Arsenal have built a squad around versatile forwards, and Maza could operate as a No.10 or off either flank. Tottenham are similarly seeking a spark in the final third, and Maza's dribbling (2.25 per 90) would add a directness they sometimes lack.
However, the competition from Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa means both clubs must move decisively. Leverkusen's contract leverage until 2030 means a fee well above £38m is almost certain. Arsenal and Tottenham are watching, but watching is not signing.
Talking points
- Is Maza worth £40m+ after just one full season at Leverkusen, or is the hype based on six games?
- Spurs need a creative spark more than Arsenal — should they prioritise this deal over defensive reinforcements?
- Chelsea and Manchester City's interest could turn this into a bidding war that prices both North London clubs out.
- Leverkusen's contract until 2030 means they can demand a premium, so any deal must be a club-record sale for Maza.
What happens next
Arsenal and Tottenham will continue to scout Maza, but the next decisive step is a formal offer. With Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa circling, the first club to submit a concrete bid could force the issue. Leverkusen's stance remains clear: they will not sell below their valuation.
Frequently asked questions
Are Arsenal and Tottenham really trying to sign Ibrahim Maza?
Yes, according to TEAMtalk, both clubs are monitoring Maza and are stepping up their interest. They have been watching him this season.
How much will Ibrahim Maza cost?
His Transfermarkt valuation is £38m, but Leverkusen are likely to demand well above that because his contract runs until 2030.
What are Ibrahim Maza's stats this season?
He has five goal contributions in six games for club and country, and in the Bundesliga he averages 3.25 chances created, 2.25 dribbles, 4.75 duels won and 3.75 recoveries per game.
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