Arsenal Challenges Manchester City with €40m Bid for Ibrahim Maza as Berta Eyes Odegaard Successor

Arsenal and Man City see €40m bids rejected for Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza as Andrea Berta eyes a long-term replacement for Martin Odegaard.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 6:33 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

A Strategic Move for the Post-Odegaard Era

Arsenal’s recruitment department has accelerated its long-term planning by identifying Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza as the primary candidate to eventually succeed Martin Odegaard. Under the guidance of Sporting Director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta, the North London club has officially tested Leverkusen’s resolve with an opening bid of €40 million (£35m). While Odegaard remains the foundational captain of the squad at 27, persistent injury setbacks throughout the 2025/26 campaign have exposed a lack of depth in the creative midfield role. Maza, who possesses a similar technical profile to the Norwegian, is viewed by Berta as the missing piece of the puzzle required to maintain Arsenal’s elite rotation during high-stakes domestic and European campaigns.

The Rising Stature of the Algerian Playmaker

Since arriving at the BayArena from Hertha Berlin in the summer of 2025, Ibrahim Maza has rapidly evolved into one of the most coveted young talents in the Bundesliga. The 20-year-old has registered five goals and six assists across 39 appearances this season, demonstrating a tactical maturity that has drawn comparisons to elite creative anchors. His ability to operate between the lines and his high defensive work rate have made him a focal point for Bayer Leverkusen’s offensive transitions. This versatility is a key driver behind Arsenal’s interest, as Arteta seeks players who can seamlessly transition between an advanced "number ten" role and a deeper central midfield position.

A Premier League Bidding War Ignites

Arsenal is not alone in its pursuit of the Algerian international, as Manchester City has reportedly matched the €40 million offer in an attempt to secure Maza for Pep Guardiola’s squad. Both Premier League giants see the youngster as a high-value investment whose market price is expected to soar following the 2026 World Cup. However, Bayer Leverkusen has promptly rejected both opening salvos, with the German club’s hierarchy reportedly intent on keeping Maza for at least one more season. Leverkusen’s strategy is to maximize the player’s valuation ahead of a potential blockbuster sale in the summer of 2027, placing the English suitors in a difficult position as the summer window approaches.