Arsenal and Tottenham Battle for Ibrahim Maza: Leverkusen Star Valued at £38m

Two North London Rivals Circle Leverkusen Playmaker

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly locked in a contest to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacker Ibrahim Maza, according to TEAMtalk. The London pair have supposedly been monitoring the 20-year-old closely and are now stepping up their interest.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa are also said to be keen, which suggests the Algeria international will not be short of suitors if Leverkusen entertain offers.

Maza’s Rapid Rise from Hertha Berlin

Born in Berlin, Maza came through the ranks at Hertha, making his Bundesliga debut against Bayern Munich in 2023 at just 17. He later became one of the youngest goalscorers in the competition’s history, and made 51 senior appearances for the club before joining Leverkusen in the summer of 2025.

Maza’s Bundesliga Numbers This Season

The stats explain the attention. Maza is averaging 3.25 chances created per game, along with 2.25 dribbles per 90 minutes. He has also contributed to five goals in six appearances for club and country.

His work off the ball is just as notable, with 4.75 duels won and 3.75 recoveries per game. Former Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand praised him as “fantastic” after a man-of-the-match display against Benfica in the Champions League.

Contract and Potential Transfer Fee

Maza’s deal at the BayArena runs until 2030, which leaves Leverkusen in a commanding position. Transfermarkt values him at £38m, but the German side are likely to demand considerably more from any interested party.

Our Take

Maza looks a natural fit for Arsenal’s system, where creative wide players who also press and recover possession are prized. Mikel Arteta has a track record of developing young talent, and that could give the Gunners an edge in any negotiation.

Tottenham can offer regular minutes and a project built around attacking football, which may appeal to a player still finding his level. Even so, with five clubs reportedly interested and a contract into 2030, this one has the makings of a long, expensive chase. It would be no surprise if the price climbs well beyond £38m.