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

Benjamin Sesko says it was a “logical step” to sign a new contract at RB Leipzig instead of moving to the Premier League this summer.

The striker had been attracting interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United after scoring 14 goals in the Bundesliga last season.

Sesko was available for £55million due to a release clause in his contract, but he has opted to pen fresh terms running until 2029.

The 21-year-old believes it is best for his development to remain with Leipzig for now, where he is a guaranteed starter in a team playing Champions League football.

“I had a good first year at RB Leipzig and am incredibly happy to be here,” said Sesko. “Team, club, city, fans - the overall package remains simply outstanding for me. The early contract extension is therefore the logical 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 deliver my best performances. In the second half of the season in particular, I was able to give a lot back with my goals.

“We have a team with great potential and a balanced mix of young and experienced players. I just really want to take the next steps together with this team.

“We have already achieved a lot in my first season and often showed what quality and outstanding football we can bring to the pitch. But there is still a lot to be done and that is now our common goal.”

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

“In the second half of the season in particular, 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 rate is outstanding and shows that he is already one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga - and that at only 21 years old.

“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 player at the top of 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 in a pioneering way.”