Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur accelerate interest in Bayer Leverkusen's £42m star Ibrahim Maza

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly stepped up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza, according to TEAMtalk. The 20-year-old is valued at around £42m by Transfermarkt, but Leverkusen have no intention of selling and are planning a new contract for the Algeria international.

  • Player: Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen, 20, Algeria international)
  • Clubs interested: Arsenal and Tottenham (stepped up), plus Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain (monitoring)
  • Valuation: Around £42m (Transfermarkt)
  • Contract: Runs until 2030; Leverkusen planning a new deal with a salary hike
  • Leverkusen stance: No intention of letting him leave
  • Stage: Interest and monitoring, no formal bid reported

Deal details

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Tottenham have accelerated their pursuit of Maza and have been monitoring his development closely before making a potential swoop. However, the report states that Leverkusen have no intention of letting him leave, with his existing deal set to run until 2030. The Bundesliga club are even planning to hand him a fresh contract with a salary hike. Maza is valued at around £42m by Transfermarkt.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa have also been keeping tabs on him, while Paris Saint-Germain have identified Maza as a serious option to replace Khvicha Kvaratshelia, who is set to remain sidelined for an extended period owing to a serious knee problem.

Injury and availability

Khvicha Kvaratshelia (Paris Saint-Germain) is set to remain sidelined for an extended period owing to a serious knee problem. This has prompted PSG to identify Maza as a serious option to replace him.

At Tottenham, Xavi Simons has been out due to a serious knee problem, while James Maddison has just returned from a lengthy injury absence. These fitness issues have left Spurs short of options in the attacking midfield role, which explains their interest in Maza.

The numbers

  • 11 — goal contributions for Maza across all competitions in the Bundesliga last term
  • 3 — goals scored by Maza this season across all tournaments
  • 3 — assists registered by Maza this season across all tournaments
  • £42m — Maza's valuation by Transfermarkt
  • 2030 — the year Maza's current contract with Leverkusen expires

Why Arsenal don't need Maza but Tottenham do

Arsenal already possess Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze as No.10 options, with Mikel Merino and Max Dowman capable of providing cover in that area. Unless someone leaves, the Gunners don't need to add further depth to this position. Their interest in Maza may therefore be opportunistic rather than a priority.

Tottenham, on the other hand, have Xavi Simons, James Maddison and Conor Gallagher as options to deploy in the CAM role. However, Simons has been out due to a serious knee problem, and Maddison has just returned from a lengthy injury absence. That leaves Spurs light in the creative department, making Maza a shrewd acquisition should they eventually manage to secure his services in January or next summer.

Maza is a technically gifted right-footed creative midfielder who can also provide cover in the box-to-box role. Furthermore, he can be deployed on the flank if needed. His versatility would appeal to both clubs, but Tottenham's need is more acute given their injury issues. Leverkusen's determination to keep him and offer a new contract will make any deal difficult, but the interest from multiple top clubs suggests the race is far from over.

Talking points

  • Is a £42m valuation for a 20-year-old with 11 goal contributions last season a risk or a sensible investment for Tottenham?
  • Arsenal already have Odegaard and Eze, so should they be focusing their resources elsewhere rather than on another No.10?
  • Leverkusen's contract extension plans could kill any January move, but should Tottenham test their resolve with a big offer?
  • With PSG also circling, could a bidding war drive Maza's price beyond £42m and out of Spurs' reach?

What happens next

The January transfer window is the next opportunity for a move, though Leverkusen's intention to offer Maza a new contract may push a decision to next summer. Tottenham's need for attacking midfield cover could force their hand if Simons' injury persists, while Arsenal may wait to see if any current player leaves. The coming months will reveal whether Leverkusen can tie down their prize asset.

Frequently asked questions

Are Arsenal and Tottenham really interested in Ibrahim Maza?

Yes, according to TEAMtalk, both Arsenal and Tottenham have stepped up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen's Ibrahim Maza and have been monitoring him closely.

How much is Ibrahim Maza worth?

Maza is valued at around £42m by Transfermarkt, but Leverkusen have no intention of selling and are planning a new contract with a salary hike.

Which other clubs are chasing Ibrahim Maza?

Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa have been keeping tabs on him, while Paris Saint-Germain have identified him as a serious option to replace the injured Khvicha Kvaratshelia.

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