90min

Benjamin Sesko reveals why he turned down Man Utd, Arsenal & Chelsea

  • Benjamin Sesko discusses decision to sign new RB Leipzig contract
  • Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea were all interested in the striker
  • Deal includes informal agreement about possible 2025 transfer

By Jamie Spencer

Benjamin Sesko has pledged his future to RB Leipzig
Benjamin Sesko has pledged his future to RB Leipzig / Stuart Franklin/GettyImages
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Benjamin Sesko has spoken about his decision to renew his RB Leipzig contract before playing at Euro 2024 this summer, turning down a potential Premier League transfer in the process.

Sesko underlined his status as one of the highest rated young strikers around when he scored in seven successive Bundesliga games at the end of 2023/24 to secure Leipzig's Champions League place. It sparked a flurry of transfer interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, but Sesko's future, at least for the next year, was quickly decided when he penned a new deal.

"I thought it through very well," the 21-year-old told Nogomania in his native Slovenia.

"I believe I made the right decision. I wanted to gain more experience, learn more, and not rush things. Leipzig is an excellent club that can provide what I need for the next step. Leipzig's vision is clear; everything is geared towards growth, progress, and high goals.

"I felt it was right to decide this way."

Benjamin Sesk
Sesko was at Euro 2024 with Slovenia this summer / ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/GettyImages

Manchester United were in the market for a new striker when Sesko signed his Leipzig extension until 2029, but soon landed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna instead.

Arsenal have been missing a proper central striker for several seasons, which could arguably be the final piece of their Premier League title pursuit jigsaw, but have focused recent efforts on further beefing up in defence with a Riccardo Calafiori deal.

Meanwhile, Chelsea relied heavily on Cole Palmer – typically a number 10 or winger – for most of their goals and creativity last season, with Nicolas Jackson inconsistent.

90min understands that, while Sesko's contact extension is a long-term one, he has a 'gentleman's agreement' with Leipzig in place that would facilitate a transfer in 2025. The Bundesliga side offered a wage package to rival what the Slovenian could make in the Premier League to keep him a little longer, but ultimately they are prepared to be a stepping stone for his future ambition.

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