The race remains “open” for Manchester United target Benjamin Sesko despite reports suggesting the 22-year-old striker had reached an agreement with Arsenal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
United hold a long-standing interest in Sesko who has emerged as one of the standout young strikers in Europe in recent seasons.
He scored 21 goals and provided six assists in all competitions for Leipzig this year.
Possessing an imposing 6’5 frame, the Slovenia international is described as a “physical freak” given his potent pairing of speed and strength relative to his size. He possesses a rocket of a right-foot, good aerial ability with a remarkable leap, and has demonstrated marked improvements in link-up play.
United made advances to sign Sesko last year but were rebuffed as the 22-year-old signed a new contract at the Red Bull Arena instead.
He remains a name on the list of targets at Old Trafford this summer to upgrade Ruben Amorim’s front line, however, with recruitment director Christopher Vivell reported to be a huge fan, having established a close relationship with the player.
But, as relayed by The Peoples Person, a report from Germany contends Arsenal have “reached an agreement” with Sesko and are close to striking a deal with Leipzig as well.
Romano corroborates the fact that the Gunners are locked in “active talks” for Sesko but rejects the idea that either a fee or personal terms have been agreed. Instead, he describes the situation as “open,” giving United hope of still winning the race for the Slovenian.
“The situation of Benjamin Sesko remains one of the most interesting to follow this summer with Arsenal in active talks to sign the striker. Nothing is done yet at this stage, not even on personal terms. The story is still open and fans are waiting to understand what’s going to happen with the RB Leipzig striker.”
Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, confirmed to Romano in an exclusive interview that the striker’s future remains undecided as he could leave Leipzig “next week… or next year, or in 3 years!”
“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. 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,” Basanovic explains.
“I can understand in very big transfers, there are a lot of different interests but no matter what, I believe in football world 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.”
The agent concludes: “We have a clear plan for the future and media speculation doesn’t affect us. Sesko is not just a striker, he is a special striker.”
With the range of options up front this summer rapidly narrowing, United retain the opportunity to present an offer Sesko cannot refuse and secure Amorim the “special striker” the Portuguese coach is so desperately craving.
Featured image Luciano Lima via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
