RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is convinced he made the right decision after turning down Arsenal to take things slowly in Germany.
Sesko scored 18 goals in his first Leipzig season, matching the tally he posted in his final year with Red Bull Salzburg. A number of Premier League clubs have been linked, with Manchester United previously eyeing the Slovenian, but Arsenal looked the most likely to wrap up a deal this summer.
It wasn’t to be, though, with Leipzig celebrating a bumper new deal for their leading man. He wasn’t able to follow that up with as strong a showing as he might have hoped for at Euro 2024, though, failing to score in Slovenia’s run to the last 16.
Sesko’s 14 league goals last term helped Marco Rose’s team finish fourth in the Bundesliga, securing another season of Champions League football. While a Premier League move could yet roll around next summer, the 21-year-old appears happy with his choices so far.
“I thought it through very well,” Sesko told Nogomania. “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.”
Despite his new contract running until 2029, Sesko’s long-term future might not lie in Germany. There is understood to be a gentleman’s agreement in place which could yet see him move next summer, and Arsenal could remain in the mix if they don’t make further additions up front this summer.
After a slow start to the summer transfer window, things have begun to kick into gear for Arsenal. David Raya has joined the club permanently after a successful loan move from Brentford, while Riccardo Calafiori’s move from Bologna appears all but done.
There have also been departures, with Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga both leaving on loan. Emile Smith Rowe could be the next to depart, with Fulham closing in on a club record move for the England international.
“There are things happening in the background so we felt it was best not to use him,” manager Mikel Arteta said after leaving Smith Rowe out of his team for Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Bournemouth. It was the first of three games for the Gunners during their US tour.
Fabio Vieira scored for Arsenal in a 1-1 draw, with Antoine Semenyo getting Bournemouth’s goal. The game was decided with a penalty shoot-out, with Jakub Kiwior putting away the match-winning spot-kick.
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