AC Milan Eye Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza as Attacking Midfield Target

FolioPitch.com – 31 July 2026 | AC Milan have intensified their search for a new attacking midfielder, with Bayer Leverkusen‘s Ibrahim Maza emerging as a prime candidate. According to sources, CM Milan contact Leverkusen with Maza interest, and key figures Rúben Amorim and Ben Gardiner have made a formal request to explore a potential deal. The 20-year-old Algerian talent has been on the Rossoneri’s radar since his days at Hertha Berlin, and now a move could materialize as Milan looks to reshape their attack.

The club’s transfer strategy this summer hinges on the potential departure of star winger Rafael Leao. Should Leao be sold, Milan plan to reinvest the proceeds into a right-sided attacker, but they also seek a ‘pure number 10’ to bolster creativity. CM Milan contact Leverkusen with Maza interest, as the player fits the profile perfectly. Maza, who joined Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin last summer, has impressed with his technical ability and football intelligence, drawing praise from both Amorim and Gardiner, who have been key in pushing for his acquisition.

Calciomercato.com reports that Milan director Hendrik Almstadt has already initiated contact with Maza’s representatives to gauge Leverkusen’s willingness to negotiate. While the German club is keen to retain the youngster, a fee in the region of €40 million could tempt them to sell. However, Leverkusen’s hierarchy, including Carlos Martinez Novel, would prefer to keep Maza as part of their long-term project.

Maza’s versatility allows him to operate as an attacking midfielder or on the left wing, but Milan see him primarily as a central playmaker. His dribbling skills and vision would provide a different dimension to Stefano Pioli’s system, which has relied heavily on Leao’s individual brilliance. CM Milan contact Leverkusen with Maza interest, and the club’s scouts have been monitoring his progress since his move to the Bundesliga.

The interest in Maza is part of a broader overhaul of Milan’s attacking department. With Leao’s future uncertain, the club is also linked with several right-wingers, but the pursuit of a creative midfielder remains a priority. Amorim and Gardiner, who are involved in Milan’s recruitment drive, have highlighted Maza as a player who can immediately contribute and develop into a star. CM Milan contact Leverkusen with Maza interest, Amorim and Gardiner make request, signaling that the hierarchy is aligned in their pursuit.

Leverkusen, however, are not under pressure to sell. Maza has a contract until 2028, and Xabi Alonso’s side values him as a key part of their future. Nevertheless, Milan are optimistic that a persuasive offer could change the German club’s stance. The coming weeks will be crucial as negotiations progress.

In conclusion, AC Milan’s search for a new attacking midfielder has zeroed in on Ibrahim Maza, with CM Milan contact Leverkusen with Maza interest and key decision-makers Amorim and Gardiner making a request. Whether Leverkusen will budge remains to be seen, but Milan are determined to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. The potential addition of Maza could be a statement signing as the Rossoneri aim to compete domestically and in Europe.