6 months ago
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Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko as the striker’s agent has categorically ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia and believes a transfer to Serie A would be ‘difficult’.
Mikel Arteta is keen to add a new forward to his squad in the summer transfer window and Sesko is among the players on Arsenal’s shortlist.
The 20-year-old has just finished his first season at RB Leipzig with 18 goals in all competitions and the Bundesliga club have already offered an improved contract in an attempt to fend off interest from other teams.
Sesko’s representative, Elvis Basanovic, insists RB Leipzig are in a strong negotiating position and insists the striker’s development will take priority over lucrative offers.
‘I can say that there is interest in Benjamin, both from the Premier League and from Italy. But out of respect, I can’t talk about the names of the clubs,’ Basanovic said in an interview with Sportklub.
‘We are talking about top clubs. We have to realise that Benjamin is currently at a top club. There are very few people who realise how big a club Leipzig is. There are certainly eventful weeks ahead of us.
‘It is my duty to listen to offers that come up. We need to work on giving Benjamin more opportunities at the end of the season. But that’s his decision.
‘We will suggest what is best for his long-term development. Leipzig is trying extremely hard to keep Benjamin.
‘They have their arguments on the side of development, they are also a big club with excellent conditions. They have strong cards. Healthy development takes precedence over the economic side.’
Sesko’s release clause has risen from €50 million (£42.8m) in the January transfer window to €65m (£55.7m) and Basanovic believes Serie A clubs will struggle to match rival offers from the Premier League.
The Slovenia international has also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia but Basanovic insists the striker will remain in Europe.
‘I think that he is difficult to afford in Italy at the moment,’ Basanovic said.
‘I said a lot about that. But that doesn’t mean it’s not impossible. The decision is up to Benjamin. It is up to us to bring him offers.
‘He did his job perfectly. Clubs are aware of the market situation. They are trying to get a player before the price goes even higher. But the main thing is that they want to secure his services. At the end of the day, only one club can get him.
‘I can confirm that there is interest, but at the same time, Benjamin will not leave Europe under any circumstances. At least not right now.
‘Negotiations are extremely difficult. Top clubs have already completed hundreds of such negotiations. I go to every negotiation with the thought that this is not a club for him, but they almost convince me afterwards!’
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