Keita reveals why he rejected Arsenal, Liverpool

Matt Stead

Naby Keita has explained why he turned down Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Southampton this summer.

According to midfielder Keita, the quartet of Premier League clubs sought his signature in the most recent transfer window.

The 21-year-old impressed for Red Bull Salzburg last season in the Bundesliga, earning interested glances from afar.

There was competition to sign him, with Arsenal and Liverpool thought to be leading the chase.

However, Keita joined newly-promoted German side Red Bull Leipzig ahead of their debut campaign in the Bundesliga.

Explaining why he rejected Premier League suitors, Keita said that he wanted to “prove” himself in Germany first.

“Arsenal, Manchester City and Southampton were all interested in signing me and Liverpool as well, although I did not speak with their coach,” he told SportNet.

“I did not want to join a big Champions League club right away. It is too early for that. I want to prove myself in the Bundesliga first now.”