The pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko by Arsenal has taken a dramatic turn after the Slovenian’s agent, Elvis Basanovic breaks silence and publicly addressed the swirling transfer rumours—dismissing claims of a done deal and outlining strict conditions for any move.
Contradictory Reports on “Agreement”
German outlet ‘BILD’ recently claimed Arsenal had “reached an agreement” with Sesko on personal terms. It is sustaining on spending a £68.5m–£85.5m fee negotiation with Leipzig. However, Slovenian source Ekipa refuted this as “premature and fake,” clarifying talks are ongoing but not finalized. Basanovic himself sidestepped direct club references but emphasized Sesko’s future hinges on a “special project” with a “special coach”.
Agent’s Firm Stance: No Reports Of Forced Exit
In a revealing interview, Basanovic breaks silence by warning clubs including Arsenal that Sesko will not engineer a transfer showdown with Leipzig. “We respect RB Leipzig, and I am 100% convinced they will respect our decision for the next step. Even with a strong desire to move, we will never force or blackmail them,” he declared. This stance contrasts sharply with Arsenal’s other target, Viktor Gyokeres, whose relationship with Sporting CP has turned toxic amid public demands to leave.
The “Special Striker” Criteria
Basanovic described Sesko as a “special striker” whose next club must align with a long-term vision. “He will move only when we recognise a special club, a special project, and a special coach,” he stated, adding timing could range from “next week to three years”. This echoes Arsenal’s project under Mikel Arteta, which reportedly appeals to Sesko, especially given Leipzig’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Arsenal’s Position and Alternatives
While Sesko remains Arsenal’s priority striker target, the club faces a delicate balancing act:
– Fee Hurdle: Leipzig demands €80m–€100m (£68.4m–£85.5m), though some reports suggest a potential compromise near £67.4m.
– Gyokeres Fallback: Sporting’s president publicly denied a gentleman’s agreement for Gyokeres’ exit at £59.5m. They are now insisting on £67.4m amid accusations of “blackmail” by the player’s camp.
– Decision Timeline: Arsenal must weigh Sesko’s higher ceiling (aged 21) against Gyokeres’ immediate impact (54 goals last season).
The Future
The Slovenian striker’s agent, Elvis Basanović, has said something directly about the whole situation. Although it was believed Šeško had a verbal agreement with Arsenal some time ago, Basanović completely dismissed this news. Moreover, he insisted no conclusions were final about his client’s future. His remarks underscore Šeško’s deliberate approach: the 21-year-old will only leave RB Leipzig for a club offering a “special project” under a “special coach” – criteria that align with Mikel Arteta’s rebuild but remain subject to Šeško’s personal assessment.
Crucially, Basanović breaks silence on the rumors of any notion of Šeško forcing an exit, insisting negotiations will be conducted with “respect” toward Leipzig. This stance complicates Arsenal’s pursuit, however, the Gunners cannot rely on player pressure to lower Leipzig’s £68.5m–£85.5m valuation. Šeško’s camp holds all leverage, with Basanović noting the timeline could stretch “from next week to three years”.
For Arsenal, this signals a high-stakes balancing act. Šeško’s age and ceiling (16 goals in his debut Bundesliga season) make him an ideal long-term investment. His agent’s update confirms Leipzig’s firm negotiating position. Arteta’s project must now prove uniquely compelling to sway Šeško, whose patience contrasts sharply with Arsenal’s urgency for attacking reinforcements. As Basanović’s words echo – “patience and respect will define this saga” – the ball rests firmly in Šeško’s court.
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