- 12 hours ago
Sesko sends Arsenal message as RB Leipzig star signs contract
Robin Bairner
- 12 Jun 2024 10:50 BST
- 4 min read
Benjamin Sesko and his agent have sent a message to Arsenal and the Premier League clubs the 21-year-old forward turned down in order to sign a new deal with RB Leipzig.
Sesko had been followed by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, but on Wednesday it was made official that he had signed a new deal with the Bundesliga side that expires in 2029.
The player says it was a “logical” step and explained why staying at Leipzig was the “outstanding” choice for him.
READ MORE: Tierney targeted by Arsenal’s Premier League rivals
STATS
Benjamin Sesko
F (RL), AM (L)
RB Leipzig
Benjamin Sesko
F (RL), AM (L)
RB Leipzig
“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,” he told club media after signing his contract.
“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.”
READ MORE: Why Benjamin Sesko rejected Arsenal
Sesko would likely have found game time harder to come by at Arsenal than he has at Leipzig, where he is in competition for a starting berth with Lois Openda.
Despite having signed a new deal with the Bundesliga outfit, the striker has a gentleman’s agreement with the club that will allow him to depart in 2025 or potentially 2026.
Arsenal ‘truly tested’ Sesko resolve
Agent Elvis Basanovic has praised Sesko for sticking to his values and admitted that the draw of a major club was attractive for the Slovenia international hitman.
“As a football agent, it’s easy to talk about developing top talents… until you are faced with great temptation. In that moment, your values and vision are truly tested,” he said.
READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals
“We do what we say and say what we believe! Development is key.”
Arsenal will, no doubt, continue to monitor his situation in the weeks and months ahead, with the possibility of finally signing the RB Leipzig man next summer.
