Youssef Msakni has revealed that he was a transfer target for both Arsenal and Lille prior to his move to Qatar.
The 21-year old Tunisian playmaker has signed a four-year deal with Qatari club Lekhwiya, who he will join from Esperance Tunis in January 2013, turning down potential moves to England or France in the process.
"I wanted to play in Qatar, the opportunity was given to me and I took it," he told Sky Sports.
"Lille were interested and wanted me but they did not show the willingness to have me in their club like the Qataris.
"I am looking forward to impressing in that league. Arsenal were also keen but not enough for me to choose them, maybe one day I will be in a very big league in Europe."