AC Milan explore move for Ibrahim Maza as Bayer Leverkusen demand in excess of €40m

AC Milan have opened talks over a potential deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza, but face a sizeable hurdle with the German club valuing the Algeria international at more than €40m.

The Serie A side have made initial contact with the player’s representatives as they step up plans to add an attacking reinforcement to their squad. Maza, who has already broken into the Algeria set-up, has moved towards the top of Milan’s shortlist.

According to Calciomercato, the Rossoneri are particularly attracted by the 21-year-old’s technical ability and long-term potential. Club officials view him as a player who could increase the team’s creativity in the final third while also offering tactical flexibility.

Maza is capable of operating in several advanced roles, a versatility that is understood to fit closely with Milan’s recruitment criteria for this transfer window. The club are targeting attackers who can play in multiple positions across the front line rather than specialists in a single role.

Leverkusen set firm asking price

Any deal, however, is expected to be complicated by Bayer Leverkusen’s stance on their player’s value. The Bundesliga champions are described as unwilling to sell at a discount and are insisting on a fee in excess of €40m before seriously considering a transfer.

Negotiations are therefore likely to be protracted, with Milan needing either to raise significant funds or find a structure that satisfies Leverkusen’s valuation. There has been no indication so far that the German club are prepared to soften their position.

Despite those financial demands, discussions between the parties are expected to continue over the coming days. Milan are assessing whether they can realistically meet Leverkusen’s expectations, either now or later in the window.

Interest from Ruben Amorim and other European clubs

Maza’s emergence has not gone unnoticed elsewhere in Europe. The Algerian’s progress is also being closely monitored by Ruben Amorim, who is following his development with interest.

In addition, other European clubs are tracking the situation. Manchester City are among those keeping an eye on Maza, as previously reported exclusively by Africafoot.

For Milan, the presence of such high-level competition underlines the need to move decisively if they decide Maza is the right option to strengthen their attack. At the same time, the size of Leverkusen’s asking price means the Italian club must weigh the deal carefully against other priorities in the market.

The coming weeks are likely to determine whether Milan are willing and able to meet the demands of the German champions and secure one of the emerging talents of Algerian football, or whether Maza’s future will lie elsewhere in Europe.