Alan Shearer has expressed confidence in Benjamin Sesko's ability to succeed in the Premier League, contradicting Arsenal's reservations about the RB Leipzig striker. The former England captain's backing comes as Manchester United and Newcastle United both consider moves for the 22-year-old Slovenian international.
Arsenal opted to sign Viktor Gyokeres for around £64 million last month instead of pursuing Sesko. The Gunners had monitored Sesko's progress in the Bundesliga but were deterred by Leipzig's asking price, his wage demands, and doubts over his psychological readiness for a move to England, given his age and lack of Premier League experience.
Shearer's previous comments, made before Leipzig's Champions League meeting with Aston Villa in December, showed none of those concerns. He compared Sesko to Erling Haaland, praising his frame, pace, ball-carrying ability, and goal-scoring instincts. "I like him a lot," Shearer said. "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."
Newcastle have already tested the waters with a bid of just under £70 million, which Leipzig swiftly rejected in the hope of sparking a bidding war. Manchester United, in need of a No.9 after missing out on several targets, are yet to make a formal offer. Sesko scored 22 goals across all competitions last season.
In more recent remarks on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer acknowledged that signing Sesko would carry an element of risk, describing him as "a bit of a gamble" given the significant fee involved and his unfamiliarity with English football. However, he insisted the player has huge potential and would represent good business, particularly if Newcastle were to pair him with Yoane Wissa as a replacement for Alexander Isak, who has attracted interest from Liverpool.
