Bayer Leverkusen are considering a late move for Morocco international Neil El Aynaoui as they look to add another midfielder before the summer transfer window closes on 1 September.
The Bundesliga club, who are set to compete in the Europa League, have reportedly identified the 25-year-old AS Roma player as a potential partner for Algeria international Ibrahim Maza.
According to transfer expert Nicolo Schira, Bayer Leverkusen have positioned themselves for El Aynaoui, who is under contract with AS Roma until 2030. His possible arrival could give the German side a midfield pairing featuring two of North Africa’s most highly regarded young players.
El Aynaoui has won 22 caps for Morocco and scored twice for his country. He only joined AS Roma from RC Lens last year in a deal worth €23.5m, but the Morocco international is already being linked with another move.
Crystal Palace are also reported to have stepped up their interest in the player. El Aynaoui is said to be open to the prospect of playing in the Premier League just one year after leaving France.
AS Roma are understood to be seeking funds and would not necessarily oppose a sale. The midfielder is valued at €30m by Transfermarkt, although no completed transfer has been reported.
Maza makes strong start to new season
Bayer Leverkusen’s interest is also linked to the emergence of Ibrahim Maza, who is viewed as one of the club’s most important prospects.
The 20-year-old has made 21 appearances for Algeria and has scored twice at international level. He has impressed during the opening stages of the campaign and is regarded as a major figure in the club’s future.
Maza began the season with an assist in Bayer Leverkusen’s emphatic 4-0 victory away to Wehen Wiesbaden in the German Cup on 22 August. That performance strengthened the sense that the Algeria international could play a prominent role for the club this term.
A move for El Aynaoui would therefore give Bayer Leverkusen another experienced option in midfield while potentially allowing the club to build around Maza’s attacking qualities.
El Aynaoui made his return to Serie A for AS Roma on the previous Monday. He was named among the substitutes before coming on for the final 15 minutes of the match.
The Nancy-born midfielder made 34 appearances for AS Roma last season, starting 16 of those games. He finished the campaign with two goals and two assists.
With the transfer deadline fewer than five days away, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace are both reported to be monitoring the situation. AS Roma’s financial considerations, the player’s recent move from RC Lens and the €30m valuation could all influence whether El Aynaoui remains in Italy or makes another move before the window closes.
