Messi endorsed rising star says it'd be a dream to sign for Arsenal – Welcomes Wirtz comparisons

Bayer Leverkusen's Ibrahim Maza, ranked ninth in Ballon d'Or young talent voting with a point from Messi, says playing for Arsenal would be a dream.

Bayer Leverkusen rising star Ibrahim Maza has expressed his admiration for Arsenal, naming the club alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona as one of the elite sides he'd love to play for in the future.

Maza, 21, joined Leverkusen from Hertha BSC for €12m last summer and has since scored nine goals and assisted 10 in 56 appearances. His performances have attracted attention from PSG, who have reportedly already signalled their intention to make a move and spoken to his entourage.

The youngster received a significant endorsement at the Ballon d'Or gala, where he was ranked ninth among the world's top young talents—with his sole voting point coming from Lionel Messi. Maza called the recognition "a great honor" and "something truly special." He also welcomed comparisons to Liverpool's Florian Wirtz, saying such links to a world-class player are "a wonderful thing."