Naby Keita admits turning down moves to Arsenal, Liverpool this summer

Red Bull Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita has confirmed that he turned down moves to Liverpool and Arsenal this summer in favour of a move to the Bundesliga. The Guinea midfielder was linked with a move to the Premier League this summer after impressing with Red Bull Salzburg, but chose a move to the German top-tier's newest team.

RB Leipzig have impressed in their debut campaign in the Bundesliga and currently find themselves in second place just two points behind leaders Bayern Munich. They are also one of only three teams yet to lose a game in the league this season.

Keita has continued his form that saw him being linked with all the top clubs with the Bundesliga minnows and has already contributed to their good form with three goals in six league games, which includes the only goal during their 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund. The Guinea international admitted that he has much to prove before he can join one of the top clubs in the Champions League, which was the main reason for him turning down Arsenal and Liverpool.

"Arsenal, Manchester City and Southampton were all interested in signing me and Liverpool as well, although I did not speak with their coach," Keita told SportNet, as quoted by the London Evening Standard.

"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," the midfielder added.

Apart from Keita, another RB Leipzig player, Oliver Burke had caught the eye of top Premier League clubs. Tottenham Hotspur were close to signing the former Nottingham Forest midfielder this summer, before he chose to move to the Bundesliga. The Scotland international admitted that he was keen to play regular first-team football at a high level rather than join a top club in England and possibly spend a year out on loan or on the bench.