‘I rejected Man Utd for one reason – now I could join Arsenal in big-money deal’

Benjamin Sesko, the talented Slovenian forward currently plying his trade at RB Leipzig, has become a subject of intense speculation this January, particularly regarding a potential move to Premier League side Arsenal. The 21-year-old has been linked to several top European clubs over the past year, including Manchester United and Arsenal, but it was his decision to reject United in favor of a move to the German club that has raised eyebrows. Now, with Arsenal’s growing interest in him, there are new questions about whether Sesko could join the Gunners in a significant transfer deal. This article explores the reasons behind Sesko’s previous decisions, his potential future move, and the challenges he faces moving forward.

In the summer of 2023, Benjamin Sesko was one of the most highly sought-after young strikers in Europe. At the time, he was still playing for Red Bull Salzburg, but his performances had already attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Manchester United. However, despite being courted by the Red Devils, Sesko made the decision to reject a move to Old Trafford in favor of a transfer to RB Leipzig.

The primary reason for this decision, according to Sesko himself, was the style of play at Leipzig, which he felt was a better fit for his development at the time. “It was very important for me to go to a place that plays a similar style of football. I already knew what I had to do and didn’t have to go through a whole learning process again,” he explained. Having been part of the Red Bull footballing family at Salzburg, Sesko was already familiar with the high-intensity, fast-paced, and pressing game that Leipzig employs. This comfort level played a significant role in his decision to reject a move to a club with a very different playing style, like Manchester United.

Moreover, the opportunity to continue developing in the Bundesliga, where the competition would be challenging but familiar, seemed like the most sensible option for the young Slovenian striker. He chose stability and further growth over the immediate fame and spotlight that a move to the Premier League could offer.

Fast forward to the 2024 transfer window, and Sesko’s name has once again been linked with a move to one of the Premier League’s most prominent clubs: Arsenal. The Gunners have been in need of a clinical, out-and-out striker for some time, especially given the struggles of Kai Havertz in the forward role and the long-term injury to Gabriel Jesus. Mikel Arteta’s side has been performing well overall, but the lack of a consistent goal scorer has been an area of concern. This has led to speculation that Arsenal may turn their attention to Sesko as a solution to their attacking woes.

The 2024-2025 season was supposed to see Sesko step up to a more prominent role at Leipzig following his move from Salzburg, and while he has shown promise, Arteta’s interest in him has not waned. Last summer, Sesko signed a new contract with Leipzig, extending his stay at the club until 2029, and his previous £55 million release clause was removed. It is widely believed that the striker has a gentleman’s agreement in place that could allow him to leave Leipzig for a transfer fee in the region of £60 million, but not until the summer of 2025.

Despite Arsenal’s interest in bringing him to North London, reports suggest that a move for Sesko is unlikely to happen during this January transfer window. The player’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, firmly denied any talks with Arsenal regarding a loan move in January. “I don’t know where this story has come from, but I have never talked with Arsenal about a loan move for Sesko,” Basanovic stated. He also emphasized that Sesko is not a player who would be considered for a loan move at this stage of his career. According to Basanovic, Sesko is focused on his current role at Leipzig, where he is committed to continuing his development.

One of the primary reasons why Sesko’s move to the Premier League has not yet materialized is his need for further development. His agent confirmed that the decision to stay at Leipzig was a deliberate one to allow the player time to mature and improve. “We can see that our decision was correct; six months later, he is already a better striker than he was last season,” Basanovic stated. At just 21 years of age, Sesko still has plenty of room to grow, and it is clear that both he and his representatives value the opportunity for him to continue evolving in a system that suits his style of play.

Despite being part of a high-level league like the Bundesliga, Leipzig has provided Sesko with the environment and time needed to adjust to the rigors of top-tier football. His performances this season, particularly in the Bundesliga and European competitions, have only reinforced the decision to remain in Germany. While his potential to play in the Premier League or for other top clubs is undeniable, Sesko’s agent was careful to emphasize that the player’s long-term development remains the priority. “What he lacks is experience,” Basanovic pointed out, reminding everyone that Sesko is still very young and should not be rushed into a move that could potentially hinder his growth.

Looking ahead, it is clear that Sesko’s future remains uncertain. While a move to Arsenal may not materialize in January, the Gunners are likely to revisit their interest in him during the summer of 2025, when a potential transfer could be negotiated. Given the size of the player’s release clause and the competition for his signature, Arsenal may need to act quickly if they want to secure his services. The competition could come from several top European clubs, including Barcelona, who have also shown interest in the young striker. However, Barcelona’s financial limitations may present a challenge in any deal for Sesko, giving Arsenal an advantage if they decide to move for him.

Basansovic, Sesko’s agent, did not rule out the possibility of his client moving to a top club in the future. In an interview with Slovenian TV channel Arena Sport, he mentioned that Sesko’s diverse skill set would make him a fit for many clubs. “He can play alone in attack, with two strikers, a little further back; he has height, speed, and technical speed,” he said. These qualities make Sesko an attractive proposition for clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, who are in desperate need of a clinical forward to complement their talented attacking unit.

If Arsenal does decide to pursue Sesko more seriously in the summer of 2025, they will face significant competition from other top clubs. Barcelona, as mentioned, has long been interested in the striker, although their financial difficulties could prevent them from making a serious push for him. Other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, could also be in the race to sign the Slovenian forward, making the transfer market more competitive.

Moreover, Arsenal must consider the potential challenges of dealing with Leipzig, who highly value Sesko and are unlikely to part with him unless the right offer comes in. The player’s impressive development at the club has only increased his value, and Leipzig’s reluctance to sell during this window highlights their commitment to his future.

In the past year, Benjamin Sesko has faced multiple important career decisions, and his choice to reject Manchester United for RB Leipzig has been vindicated by his continued growth as a player. As he becomes a more established figure in the Bundesliga, it is no surprise that top clubs like Arsenal are taking notice. While a move to Arsenal may not happen immediately, the Gunners remain a viable destination for the talented striker, particularly if he continues to develop at his current rate. However, with competition from other clubs and Leipzig’s strong position, Arsenal may need to wait until the summer of 2025 to secure his signature. Regardless of when it happens, Sesko’s future looks incredibly bright, and his next move could be one of the most significant transfers of the coming years.