Arsenal’s hopes of signing Ibrahim Maza in January have taken a knock. Bayer Leverkusen have offered the 20-year-old a new contract, with talks said to be at an advanced stage, and the deal would come with no release clause.
According to Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the offer includes an annual pay rise of about £1.2m. Maza is already under contract until 2030, so Leverkusen are in no hurry to sell, and a new deal without a clause would leave clubs like Arsenal with little leverage.
The timing is awkward. Paris Saint-Germain, who were seen as the biggest danger, are reported to have cooled their interest, which had looked like good news for Arsenal. Now it is Leverkusen themselves who may close the door.
Why do Arsenal want Ibrahim Maza?
Maza is one of the most exciting young midfielders in Germany. The Algeria international has started every Bundesliga game this season, won more duels than anyone in the league and has three goals and three assists. He can play as a No.10 or drift in from the left, which is exactly the area Arteta wants to strengthen.
We covered what makes him special in our Ibrahim Maza scouting report. In short, he combines the dribbling of a winger with the work rate of a central midfielder, and he has already named Arsenal among the biggest clubs in the world.
What does it mean for Arsenal’s January plans?
Arsenal are reported to want two attacking players in January: a left-winger and a striker. With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard sold in the summer, Eberechi Eze has often been doing a job on the left, and Viktor Gyokeres has made just one Premier League start.
If Maza signs his new deal, the shortlist for the left side narrows to one big name: Antonio Nusa. Arsenal have sent scouts to watch him in each of RB Leipzig‘s last three games and have already spoken to his representatives. He has six goals and eight assists in 15 games this season, but Leipzig want around £66m and have him under contract until 2029.
Is Nusa worth £66m?
That fee would make him one of the most expensive signings in Arsenal’s history. Our Antonio Nusa scouting report found a winger whose numbers are excellent and still rising, but £66m in the middle of a season is a big bet on a 21-year-old who has never played in England.
Endrick is the other name on the list, for the striker role. Arsenal have stayed in touch with his camp, though Real Madrid’s coach has been firm that a January loan is not happening.
Our view: Arsenal should not panic
Losing Maza would be a disappointment, but not a disaster. Arsenal are five points clear at the top with the squad they have, and the worst thing they could do is overpay in January because one option has gone.
We made the case earlier this month that if Arsenal can only buy one forward, it has to be the left winger, and that still stands. If Leipzig’s price for Nusa is too high, Arsenal can wait until the summer, when more options open up and they will know how Bukayo Saka’s fitness and Eze’s form have held up.
Maza’s decision could come within days. If he signs, Arsenal will know exactly where they stand, and the focus will turn fully to Leipzig.
