Benjamin Sesko explains why he snubbed Arsenal and Chelsea to stay at RB Leipzig

Benjamin Sesko says the ‘overall package’ at RB Leipzig convinced him to extend his stay at the Bundesliga club amid interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

The 21-year-old, who scored 14 goals in 31 league games last season, emerged as a key summer target for London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his attacking options after Arsenal mounted another impressive but ultimately futile title challenge last season, while Chelsea are looking to bolster new manager Enzo Maresca’s squad at Stamford Bridge.

Sesko, who is set to feature at Euro 2024 for Slovenia, was said to be keen on a move to the Premier League but has now committed his long-term future to RB Leipzig, putting pen to paper on a contract extension that keeps him at the club until 2029.

‘I had a good first year at RB Leipzig and am incredibly happy to be here,’ he told the club’s official website.

‘Team, club, city, fans – the overall package is simply outstanding for me. The early contract extension was therefore the logical next step for me.

‘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 what 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.’

RB Leipzig sporting director Rouven Schroder added: ‘Benjamin Sesko came to RB Leipzig a year ago as a top talent and has developed outstandingly with us.

‘Especially in the second half of the season, Benji showed how important he is for our game and how many qualities he brings as a complete striker.

‘Eleven goals in the second half of the season, most recently seven games in a row: This ratio is outstanding and shows that he is already one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga – and he is only 21.

‘Benji is one of our key players for the coming seasons and that is why the extension is a strong signal. This also underlines our ambitions to be a permanent fixture in the Bundesliga and to be one of the top clubs in Europe.

‘Benjamin Sesko embodies our DNA and playing philosophy perfectly. With the new contract, we can continue to drive our squad planning forward.’

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