Sesko's Agent Issues Stark Ultimatum as Arsenal and Man United Circle Star Striker
The representative of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško has cautioned potential buyers, including Arsenal and Manchester United, that they will not push for a departure from the German club during this summer window.
Šeško is anticipated to depart Leipzig following two campaigns in Germany that produced 39 goals across 87 appearances. Arsenal are believed to maintain the most significant interest in the 22-year-old, though United are also known to be keen admirers.
As the summer transfer period approached, there were indications that Šeško might be obtainable for €70 million (£59.9 million, $80.4 million), but this was subsequently challenged by reports suggesting Leipzig could seek more than €100 million (£85.5 million, $114.9 million).
Although Šeško's representative declined to specify a valuation for the forward, he cautioned interested parties that they must satisfy Leipzig's requirements to secure a transfer, as the Slovenia international will not apply pressure on his club to accept a reduced offer.
"Even if there may be—or will be—a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig," Elvis Basanovic told Fabrizio Romano. "I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club.
"I can understand in very big transfers, there are a lot of different interests but no matter what, I believe in [the] football world [there] should be more respect. So that's why we do things in the right way or we don't do them. It's very simple, even maybe in the media it looks very complicated."
Worries regarding Šeško's transfer fee have led many to speculate that clubs are still considering whether to pursue him or Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres, but Basanovic doesn't view the situation in that manner.
"Let me tell you: Šeško is not competing with anyone," he warned. "It's him vs. him every day. We have a clear plan for the future and media speculation doesn't affect us.
"Šeško is not just a striker, he is a special striker."
Basanovic supported Leipzig's ability to help Šeško advance to the next level in his career but emphasized that this might not occur this summer if the appropriate offer doesn't materialize.
"Well, his numbers at his age compared to some strikers with already great careers at his age are confirming my words," the agent said. "He will move from RB Leipzig only when we recognise a special club, a special project with a special coach.
"We respect RB Leipzig and I am 100% convinced RB Leipzig will also respect our decision for the next step when we decide to do it. It can be next week or next year or in 3 years!"