Benjamin Sesko’s summer plans are still very much up in the air.
The talented 22-year-old striker, who’s been on Arsenal’s radar for quite some time, isn’t just going anywhere — his agent insists it has to be the right fit.
That means a “special club and project” will be necessary to convince Sesko to leave RB Leipzig this transfer window.
Arsenal’s Longstanding Interest in Sesko
Arsenal have been chasing Sesko for over a year now, with bids rejected as far back as May last year and again during the January transfer window.
The Gunners, eager to boost their attacking firepower after finishing runner-up in the Premier League for the third year running, see Sesko as their top target.
Yet, despite all the talk, no official bid has landed on Leipzig’s desk recently.
German football reporter Florian Plettenberg points to one main sticking point: Leipzig’s valuation.
They’re holding out for somewhere between £68 million and £85 million, a price Arsenal reportedly aren’t ready to meet.
Sesko’s Agent Emphasizes Respect and No Pressure Tactics
Elvis Basanovic, Sesko’s agent, made it clear to GiveMeSport that they won’t be pushing Leipzig to sell or trying to strong-arm a move.
“Even if the player really wants to go, we will never blackmail RB Leipzig,” Basanovic said.
He stressed that how a player leaves a club reflects on their character and the values they bring to their next team.
Basanovic also called for more respect in football dealings, highlighting that while big transfers are complicated, things should still be done the right way — or not at all.
“Even if it looks complicated in the media, it’s actually very simple,” he added.
No Rush on Timing and No Lower Fee Requested
While reports from Germany suggested Sesko hasn’t yet agreed personal terms with Arsenal, Basanovic refused to set any timelines for his client’s next move.
He also denied claims that they had pushed Leipzig to accept a reduced fee this summer.
Instead, he said, “Sesko could leave next week, next year, or in three years.”
Basanovic pointed to Sesko’s stats at just 22 years old as proof that the player’s trajectory is on the rise and that any move must be right for all parties.
Arsenal Also Watching Viktor Gyokeres Meanwhile
The Gunners are also keeping tabs on Sporting’s striker Viktor Gyokeres, who is reportedly eager to move for a fee agreed verbally with the Portuguese club, believed to be between £51 million and £59 million.
Should that transfer happen, Arsenal would remain interested in Gyokeres as an alternative option.
Leipzig’s Bundesliga Struggles and Champions League Implications
Leipzig’s seventh-place finish in the Bundesliga last season means they won’t feature in next year’s Champions League — something that could influence Sesko’s decision.
Arsenal, on the other hand, will be competing at Europe’s highest level, offering the young Slovenian star a stage to showcase his talent.
Sesko’s Preference Clearly Lies with Arsenal
Notably, Sesko has already turned down a move to Saudi club Al-Hilal, showing just how much he values the chance to join Arsenal.
With so much at stake, his agent insists that only the right club with the right vision and coach will be able to convince him to make the leap.
