Gary Neville reacts to Benjamin Sesko turning down Arsenal and Man Utd

Gary Neville believes Benjamin Sesko’s decision to stay at RB Leipzig will give the forward 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, has become a key summer target for London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea as well as Manchester United.

The Gunners were reportedly 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 regarding a potential future transfer and Neville feels the decision could benefit all parties in the long term.

“(He has) goals, youth and physicality,” Neville said of Sesko on ITV as the forward prepared to lead his country’s underdog Euro 2024 efforts in the tournament opener against Denmark.

“I think we’re going back to a big physical forward up front, the game seems to have changed a bit with big defenders and big forwards.

‘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 suggested, one more year remains in Leipzig.

“It will give him a chance to grow without the spotlight that you have in the Premier League and develop his game a bit more.”

When he signed his new contract with Leipzig earlier this month, Sesko said: “Even though I didn’t play or score that 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 this is crucial for me to be 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 look forward to taking the next steps with this team.’

Sesko scored the most goals in Slovenia’s Euro 2024 qualification campaign to help his nation to their first major competition since the 2010 World Cup.

But they face tough demand in Group C alongside Denmark, England and Serbia.

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