Agent admits 'great temptation' of Arsenal and Chelsea interest in Benjamin Sesko before RB Leipzig deal

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Evening Standard

·12 June 2024

Agent admits 'great temptation' of Arsenal and Chelsea interest in Benjamin Sesko before RB Leipzig deal

Elvis Basanovic explains decision to stick with German club

The opportunity to join the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea represented “great temptation” for Benjamin Sesko, according to his agent.

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The Slovenian striker has put pen to paper on a new contract at RB Leipzig to end speculation over his future, which centred around a £55m release clause which some of Europe’s top clubs considered activating.

Elvis Basanovic, the player’s agent, has spoken of the difficult decision to go “step by step” and remain in the Bundesliga.

He wrote on Instagram: “As a football agent, it’s easy to talk about developing top talents… until you are faced with great temptation. In that moment, your values and vision are truly tested.

“When we say we are a leading agency in this part of Europe for the quality development of young talents, we mean it. We do what we say — and we say what we believe!

“Development is key. Step by step!”

Sesko, 21, hit 18 goals in a breakout debut season at Leipzig and will now look to make his mark on Euro 2024.

Arsenal will continue to pursue a new striker and Standard Sport understand Joshua Zirkzee and Santiago Gimenez are of interest.

Reports in Italy suggest talks with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen have begun in what would be a huge £109m deal. Chelsea are also tracking the Nigerian and are said to be closing in on Aston Villa’s young striker Jhon Duran.

Sesko explained his decision to renew as a “logical” next step for his career.

He said: “I had a good first year at RB Leipzig and am incredibly happy to be here. Team, club, city, fans - the overall package remains simply outstanding for me. The early contract extension is therefore the logical step for me.

“Even though I didn’t play or score as much in the first half of the season, this phase was very important for me and my development.

“I feel a lot of trust and appreciation throughout the club and that is crucial for being able to deliver my best performances. In the second half of the season in particular, I was able to give a lot back with my goals.

“We have a team with great potential and a balanced mix of young and experienced players. I just really want to take the next steps together with this team.

“We have already achieved a lot in my first season and often showed what quality and outstanding football we can bring to the pitch. But there is still a lot to be done and that is now our common goal.”