Alan Shearer in complete disagreement after Man Utd target Benjamin Sesko 'raises alarm bells'

Alan Shearer completely disagrees with Arsenal’s concerns over Manchester United target Benjamin Seskoafter the Gunners decided not to pursue the striker. Arsenal finallyended their long search for a star striker last month by signing Viktor Gyokeres for around £64million.

That was despite Mikel Arteta’s long-standing interest in RB Leipzig’s Sesko, having monitored his development in the Bundesliga over the past 12 months. But after holding initial talks with the German side, Arsenal bosses quickly discovered that any move for the 22-year-old would prove too costly for a player still developing his game.

Three notable alarm bells were raised regarding a potential Sesko deal. They were: Leipzig’s asking price, his lofty wage demands, and doubts over his psychological readiness to spearhead Arsenal’s frontline, given his age and the fact he has not played in England previously.

READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko transfer twist as Man Utd and Newcastle learn separate deal isn't happening

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While Arsenal decided Sesko was too much of a gamble, Newcastle and the Red Devils have shown no such doubts in their pursuit of the Slovenian international in recent weeks. Recent reports from Slovenia hinted Sesko was edging towards a Newcastle switch but it appears he's still weighing up his options, with United yet to make a formal offer.

Magpies legend Shearer’s comments back in December, long before Newcastle were linked with Sesko, indicated that the pundit held none of Arsenal’s concerns over the forward. Speaking before Leipzig's Champions League meeting with Aston Villa, Shearer backed Sesko to thrive in the Premier League.

After Sesko was compared to Erling Haaland, Shearer told Amazon Prime: "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.

"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 added: "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."

Newcastle were the first to make a move for the striker, putting forward a bid just shy of £70m, as reported by the Chronicle. That offer was swiftly turned down by Leipzig, who were hoping for a bidding war among the interested clubs.

The Slovenian netted an impressive 22 goals across all competitions last season and is hailed as one of Europe's most promising talents, having been signed from Leipzig’s sister club RB Salzburg in 2023.

Newcastle will hope to complete a deal for Sesko if they lose their talisman Alexander Isak to Liverpool this summer, having already rejected 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.

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