Benjamin Sesko: Why I REJECTED Arsenal transfer

Suraj Radia

25 Jul 2024 04:49 CDT
3 min read

Benjamin Sesko rejected Arsenal — © IMAGO

Benjamin Sesko has revealed the reasons behind his decision to reject a transfer to Arsenal this summer.

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The RB Leipzig striker was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Chelsea and Manchester United among the sides considering a big money move.

However, it was Arsenal who were believed to have pushed the hardest for Sesko, with FootballTransfers being told that a bid of €55 million had been submitted to Leipzig for the Slovenian, an offer which fell short of his €65m release clause.

The 21-year-old instead opted to pen a new deal with Leipzig and he revealed to Slovenian outlet Nogomania that he was ‘glad’ with his choice to reject a move away.

“I thought it through very well. I believe I made the right decision,” Sesko said. “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.”

© IMAGO - Benjamin Sesko was wanted by Arsenal this summer.

Sesko admits Marco Rose influence in Arsenal rejection

Sesko only joined Leipzig last summer for €24m from Red Bull affiliate club RB Salzburg and he netted 14 league goals in his debut season for the club, despite a slow start to life in Germany.

The youngster had only scored five times in 21 games by the middle of January but he went on to net 11 times in his next 18 appearances across all competitions, seven of which came in successive matches.

STATS

B. Šeško

F (C)

RB Leipzig

B. Šeško

F (C)

RB Leipzig

42

Games
18

Goals
2

Assists

The new contract keeps Sesko at Leipzig until 2029 and there is not thought to be a formal release clause in his new deal, although he is understood to have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to leave for an unspecified amount.

Sesko admitted that, while the speculation had affected his subconscious, talks with Leipzig manager Marco Rose helped convince him to stay with the Bundesliga side.

He said: “We talked. He told me he wanted me to stay but also said I should decide based on my feelings. He said if I felt I needed to move on, I should go, but if not, I should stay.

“He’s an excellent coach who has led many great players. I’m glad I decided this way.”