Arsenal Could Miss Out On Bayer Leverkusen Forward Ibrahim Maza in January

Arsenal could miss out on Bayer Leverkusen attacker Ibrahim Maza in January, according to Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly offered the 20-year-old a new contract with an annual pay rise of £1.2m and no release clause.

Plettenberg adds that talks between the player and the club are at an advanced stage. A deal could leave interested clubs unable to sign him in the winter window.

Maza is under contract at the BayArena until June 2030. Sky Sport Germany reported earlier this autumn that Leverkusen had opened talks with his representatives over an extension. The club has not confirmed any agreement.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with the Algeria international. TEAMtalk reported in late September that the Gunners were prepared to accelerate a bid, with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur also monitoring him.

Reports have put his value at around €71 million. Bayer Leverkusen hold a strong negotiating position because of the length of his current deal.

Paris Saint-Germain were also credited with interest. Sky Sport Germany said the French club had made contact with Maza’s camp after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffered a ruptured ACL.

That interest has since cooled, with reports that PSG sporting director Luis Campos shut down the file and is not planning an offer this winter.

The news is a setback for Arsenal, who want to add attacking options in January. Reports in England have linked them with a move for a left-sided attacker.

Maza can play as an attacking midfielder, and he has been in strong form this season. He has scored three goals and provided three assists in the Bundesliga.

He joined Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin in May 2025 on a contract until 2030. Maza was born in Berlin and chose to represent Algeria in 2024.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes described him at the time as “one of the most interesting young attacking players.” Maza finished ninth in the voting for the Young Talent of the Year award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Maza is comfortable at Leverkusen and open to extending his stay. The club want to move before the January window opens. Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester City have also been mentioned among the clubs monitoring him.

Leverkusen regard Maza as a key part of their future. If he signs the reported deal, Arsenal and their rivals would face a far harder task in prising him away.