Gary Neville reacts to Benjamin Sesko’s decision to turn down Arsenal and Manchester United moves

Gary Neville believes Benjamin Sesko’s decision to stay at RB Leipzig will allow the striker the crucial opportunity to continue his development away from the pressure-cooker environment of the Premier League . Sesko, who scored 14 goals in 31 league games last season, emerged as a key summer target for London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea as well as Manchester United.

The Gunners were said to have been in pole position to sign the Slovenia international, but all three clubs were dealt a blow when the 21-year-old opted to renew his contract with the Bundesliga club.

The new deal contains a gentleman’s agreement over a future potential transfer and Neville feels like the decision could stand to benefit all parties in the long run.

‘[He’s got] goals, youth and physically,’ Neville said of Sesko on ITV as the striker prepared to spearhead his country’s underdog efforts at Euro 2024 in their tournament opener against Denmark. ‘I think we are moving back to having a big physical striker up front the game seems to have flipped a little bit by having big defenders and big strikers.

‘He is someone who has so much potential and you can see why PL clubs are interested. But I can also see why, what is being suggested, he is staying at Leipzig for another year. ‘It will give him the chance to grow without the spotlight you get on you in the Premier League and just develop his game a little bit more.’

When signing his new contract with Leipzig earlier this month, Sesko said:

‘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.’

Sesko scored the most goals in Slovenia’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign to help fire his nation to their first major competition since the 2010 World Cup. But they face a tough ask in Group C alongside Denmark, England and Serbia.