RB Leipzig have confirmed that they have agreed a new long-term contract with forward Benjamin Sesko.
The 21-year-old's future has been a hot topic of debate for a number of years, despite it being known since July 2022 that he would eventually embark on a spell with Leipzig.
Having completed his stint with Red Bull Salzburg last summer, the transfer to Germany was made and the Slovenia international made a positive impact during his first campaign.
During 21 starts and 18 substitute outings in the Bundesliga and Champions League, Sesko contributed 16 goals and two assists.
Most notably, though, Sesko scored in seven consecutive appearances during the run-in, which rubber-stamped the widespread interest in his signature.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been credited as admirers of Sesko at a time when they are eager to strengthen their final-third options with a new centre-forward.
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Leipzig announce Sesko contract extension
However, reports emerged earlier this week that Sesko had decided to reject interest from the Premier League in order to continue his development with his current employers.
On Wednesday morning, Leipzig formally announced that Sesko had "prematurely extended" his existing contract until the end of the 2028-29 campaign.
Although Sesko had clubs waiting to pay a release clause believed to be in the region of £55.3m, the player feels that staying with Leipzig is "the logical next step".
He told the club's official website: "I had a good first year at RB Leipzig and am incredibly happy to be here. 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 the amount of 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."
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What now for Premier League teams?
Arsenal may have made the most sustained effort to acquire Sesko's services courtesy of Mikel Arteta's desire to find a new number nine.
There are said to be alternatives on the table, yet Sesko would have been first choice in a team competing in the Champions League. That is the case at Leipzig, but he has stronger competition from Lois Openda.
From Chelsea and Man United's perspective, they were fighting to sign Sesko to compete with Nicolas Jackson and Rasmus Hojlund respectively, likely a factor in Sesko's decision-making.
As it stands, it is unclear whether Leipzig have inserted a new release clause in Sesko's contract.
Darren Plant
