Alan Shearer and Arsenal have differing opinions on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who has been heavily linked with transfers to both Manchester United and Newcastle
Alan Shearer looks up smiling while on punditry duty
Alan Shearer believes Benjamin Sesko will succeed in the Premier League
(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
Alan Shearer has backed Manchester United target Benjamin Sesko to succeed in the Premier League despite Arsenal passing up the chance to buy the striker.
Arsenal finally ended their search for a centre-forward last month by signing Viktor Gyokeres for around £64million. That was in spite of Mikel Arteta's long-term interest in RB Leipzig's Sesko, having tracked his progress in the Bundesliga over the past year.
However, after holding initial discussions with the German club, Arsenal chiefs decided that any move for the 22-year-old would prove too costly for a player still developing his game.
Three major concerns were raised regarding a potential deal for Sesko: Leipzig's asking price, his high wage demands, and doubts about his psychological readiness to lead Arsenal's attack, considering his age and lack of experience playing in England.
While Arsenal deemed Sesko too risky a signing, Newcastle and the Red Devils have shown no such hesitation in their recent pursuit of the Slovenian international. Recent reports from Slovenia suggested Sesko was edging towards a move to Newcastle, but it appears he is still considering his options, with United yet to submit a formal offer.
Newcastle hero Shearer expressed his confidence in Sesko's ability to succeed in the Premier League well before the side's interest in the forward became public. Speaking on Amazon Prime before Leipzig's Champions League meeting with Aston Villa, Shearer backed Sesko to thrive in the Premier League.
After parallels were drawn between Sesko and Erling Haaland, Shearer commented: "He has the same frame. He is as quick as he is. He can certainly travel with the ball like he can. He is very good at scoring goals. He is very good at bringing people into the game, so I get the comparison.
Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern Munich at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig
Newcastle and Manchester United are both pursuing Benjamin Sesko
"I like him a lot. I know he is very young – he is only 21 years of age so he's got a lot of learning to do – but without doubt there is a top-class footballer in there. I think it's only a matter of time before he's playing, maybe even in the Premier League."
When asked if he has the skill-set to make it in the Premier League, Shearer replied: "I do, I think it's a matter of who can afford him. There is no doubt that this football club has a history of making an absolute fortune on transfers and this guy could be the next one to come into the Premier League.
"Either foot – left or right – which is great to see. The work rate, the work off the ball, he's got all them things and he's got very good technique, good balance and I don't think there is a doubt in my mind that and he would look very comfortable in the Premier League. I do think he has a lot to learn, but he can learn no doubt."
Shearer’s stance has since softened slightly, having acknowledged that Sesko could be a risk but still claiming it would represent good business for Newcastle to get a deal over the line. Shearer said on the latest episode of The Rest is Football: "If they can Yoane Wissa and Sesko in, then that ultimately will be decent business.
“But you know he can do it in the Premier League which adds up to a lot and I know Sesko is a lot younger and it would be more of a gamble on him because you're going to have to pay a decent sized fee for him.
Viktor Gyoekeres of Arsenal makes his debut against Tottenham on the pre-season tour
Viktor Gyoekeres of Arsenal makes his debut against Tottenham on the pre-season tour
"I saw him two or three times in the Champions League last season and there's definitely room for improvement. Yes, there's certainly a talent there but there's a lot of improvement that can be made and you're bringing in somebody that's unknown to the Premier League and that's always going to be a bit of a risk."
Newcastle were the first to make a move for the striker, submitting a bid just short of £70m, as reported by the Chronicle. The offer was quickly rejected by Leipzig, who were hoping to spark a bidding war among the interested clubs.
The Slovenian scored an impressive 22 goals across all competitions last season and is regarded as one of Europe's most exciting talents, having arrived from Leipzig's sister club RB Salzburg in 2023.
Newcastle will hope to complete a deal for Sesko if they lose their star player Alexander Isak to Liverpool this summer, having already turned down the Premier League champions' £110m bid.
Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim's Red Devils are also in need of a No. 9 after missing out on several targets this window, with Gyokeres, Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike opting for moves to Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.