agent has issued a strong statement on his future as the RB Leipzig forward continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal. The north Londoners are said to be keen on landing Sesko, who scored 21 goals in all competitions in the season just gone. Arsenal are in desperate need of a striker, having been made to pay for their failure to sign one in January.

Mikel Merino was forced to deputise up front last season with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both suffering long-term injuries. Mikel Arteta is reportedly eager to prevent a repeat by signing a prolific forward early in the summer window. Sesko has emerged as the main target also being linked with the Gunners.

Sesko's agent Elvis Basanovic has now broken his silence on the player's situation, speaking for the first time in five months. In an interview with , he said that Sesko would only leave Leipzig for a project he considers 'special'.

"It's not correct to speak about names of clubs that are interested in Sesko, but maybe it is right to clarify a few things," began Basanovic.

"Let me tell you: Sesko is not competing with anyone. It's him against him every day. 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.

"His numbers at his age compared to some strikers with already great careers at his age are confirming my words. He will move from RB Leipzig only when we recognise a special club, a special project with a special coach."

It has been reported that , a deal is yet to be struck at club level. Leipzig are not prepared to sell their striker on the cheap and will only sanction a move in exchange for around £60million.

Basanovic added that he would not put pressure on Leipzig to reduce their demands, saying: "This is far from the truth. We respect Leipzig and I am 100 per cent convinced that Leipzig will also respect our decision for the next step when we decide to do it.

"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.

"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 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."