Top Arsenal target confirms transfer 'dream' as Arteta eyes deal

Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Ibrahim Maza has named Arsenal as one of the best clubs in world football amid strong transfer interest from Mikel Arteta’s side.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to the 2026-27 campaign, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 13 matches across all competitions, and his form has attracted the attention of several top European teams.

Arsenal are believed to be among the frontrunners in the race to sign Maza next year, amid their continued pursuit of attacking reinforcements, while their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also understood to be interested in a potential deal.

Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with the Algeria international too, and Maza was asked about a possible move to Luis Enrique’s side ahead of Leverkusen’s 1-0 deal to Marseille in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

“Of course, it would be a huge dream to play for such a big club one day,” Maza told RTL/Sky (via BuliNews).

“I think we all know what a big club Paris is and that they are among the best in the world, alongside Real Madrid, Barca and Arsenal. Being able to play for a club like that is something I'm working towards, just like many other footballers.”

He added: “I definitely want to win the Champions League one day. That's a goal, of course.

“And my dream is to become one of the best players in the world and win the Ballon d'Or. That's what I'm working towards.”

While Maza is firmly on Arsenal’s radar, a move for the Algeria international is unlikely to be viewed as a transfer priority by Arteta next year.

The Bayer Leverkusen star is an attacking midfielder and with Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz all capable of playing in that position at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal may opt to keep a watching brief for a little while longer.

Instead, the Gunners are expected to prioritise the signing of a new left winger following their failure to land a replacement for Gabriel Martinelli over the summer.

Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) and Kevin Schade (Brentford) are believed to be two of the club’s top targets for the role, while they remain interested in Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi as a more versatile signing, capable of playing in multiple forward roles.

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