Leverkusen have already rejected an initial approach from City, making clear they will not enter negotiations for less than €70 million. Internally, the German club view Maza as a long-term project and have described him as not for sale at any price — though that stance typically softens when the right number arrives.
Maza joined Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin last summer for around €12 million, activating a release clause in his contract. He has since repaid that modest outlay emphatically, contributing five goals and six assists across 38 competitive appearances in his first season at the top level. A contract running to 2030 gives Leverkusen little urgency to sell.
Born in Berlin to an Algerian father and Vietnamese mother, Maza chose to represent Algeria internationally and has earned 15 caps. City's interest is not new — they explored a move before Leverkusen beat them to his signature last summer.
One factor that could work in City's favour is his representation. Maza shares the same agency as Omar Marmoush, whom City signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for €80 million. That relationship provides an established line of communication with the Etihad's recruitment team, reports Sky Germany.
Atletico Madrid had also tabled interest, with reports in March indicating a €35 million offer that Leverkusen swiftly dismissed as insufficient.
Maza's valuation stands at €40 million, but Leverkusen's €70 million demand reflects how quickly his stock has risen. City would need to nearly double what they paid for Marmoush to land a player yet to complete a full top-level season.
The talent is not in doubt. Whether City are willing to pay that kind of fee for a 20-year-old one year into his Bundesliga career is a different question entirely.