Tunisian wonder-kid Youssef Msakni says he rejected Arsenal to move to Qatar.

The Esperance Tunis playmaker has opted to move to the Middle East rather than Europe by signing a four-year deal with Qatari club Lekhwiya.

"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."