Benjamin Sesko: Arsenal boost as agent of striker target rules out two possible destinations

Arsenal have been given a boost in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko after his agent confirmed Italian clubs will struggle to afford the striker and he doesn’t want to move to Saudi Arabia.

Sesko is being chased by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as other top clubs after a fine debut season with RB Leipzig.

The 20-year-old, who scored 14 goals in the Bundesliga, has a release clause of around £55million and his agent has confirmed he is assessing his options.

There is interest from clubs in Italy and Saudi Arabia, but Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, has hinted the Premier League is his client’s most likely destination.

“I can say that there is interest in Benjamin, both from the Premier League and from Italy,” Basanovic told Slovenian broadcaster Sportklub.

“But out of respect, I can’t talk about the names of the clubs. We are talking about top clubs. We have to realise that Benjamin is currently in 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 arise. We need to work on giving Benjamin more opportunities at the end of the season. But that’s his decision.

Elvis Basanovic

“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.

“I think that Benjamin is difficult to afford in Italy at the moment. I said a lot with that. But that doesn’t mean it's not impossible. The decision is up to Benjamin. It is ours to bring him offers.

“I can confirm that there is interest [from Saudi Arabia], but at the same time, Benjamin will not leave Europe under any circumstances. At least not right now.”