Benjamin Sesko's agent makes Arsenal transfer feelings clear and reveals 'great temptation'

Elvis Basanovic has revealed Benjamin Sesko was faced with 'great temptation' before signing a contract extension with RB Leipzig. The 21-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal before deciding to sign a new deal at the Red Bull Arena.

Sesko featured 31 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 14 goals and providing two assists. Playing a key role in Marco Rose's side, the Slovenia international fired the German club into fourth place to secure Champions League qualification.

His impressive performances reportedly courted the interest of some top clubs in Europe, including the Gunners. In fact, football.london understands that Arsenal liked Sesko, but any potential deal always remained some way from completion as Leipzig looked to secure his long-term future.

The Slovenia international eventually penned a new contract, which now keeps him at the club until June 2029. Pro Transfer Agency, led by Basanovic, revealed Sesko was faced with 'great temptation' and that their 'values and vision' were truly tested'.

"As a football agent, it’s easy to talk about developing top talents… until you are faced with great temptation," wrote Basanovic on Instagram. "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!"

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Meanwhile, speaking to the club website, Sesko reflected on his debut campaign at Leipzig. 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 is simply outstanding for me.

"The early contract extension was therefore the logical next 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 perform to my full potential. In the second half of the season in particular, I was able to give something back with my goals.

"We have a team with great potential and a balanced mix of young and experienced players. I'm really looking forward to taking the next steps with this team. We've already achieved a lot in my first season and often shown the amount of quality and outstanding football we can bring to the pitch.

"But there's still a lot more to be done and that's now our common goal."