3 reasons why Benjamin Sesko rejected Arsenal to stay at RB Leipzig

2. The Arsenal pressure

Arsenal presented a compelling case for Sesko. The north London club offers Champions League football and are strong contenders for the Premier League title. While Leipzig share similar ambitions in the Bundesliga, their chances of topping the table are less certain.

Sesko’s decision to reject Arsenal wasn’t solely about the allure of immediate success. At 21, he recognises that he is still in the early stages of his career and not yet an elite striker. Comparisons with Erling Haaland, another towering forward with blistering pace, highlight Sesko’s potential. However, he hasn’t matched Haaland’s prolific scoring record in the Bundesliga. Sesko’s skills on the ball might even surpass Haaland’s, but his Champions League performances have shown that he still has room to grow.

At Arsenal, Sesko would not have been a guaranteed starter. There is Kai Havertz, who scored 14 goals last season and secured the No. 9 position in the second half of the season. Additionally, Gabriel Jesus, despite his injury struggles, remains a formidable opponent and changed the way Arsenal played in his first season. Arsenal’s plan was to slowly integrate a young striker with huge potential like Sesko. His release clause was also a significant factor considering the market for other strikers.

Despite the club's plans, there would have been immense expectations from the media and fanbase regarding the young forward’s performance.

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