Arsenal and Liverpool have been left disappointed after RB Leipzig chairman Oliver Mintzlaff categorically ruled out selling either winger Emil Forsberg or midfielder Naby Keita.
Sweden international Forsberg has been linked with both Arsenal and AC Milan, on the back of his fine performances for Die Bullen in the Bundesliga.
Keita meanwhile is wanted at Anfield by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, with the midfielder having turned heads and laid down a marker of his potential with his displays at the Red Bull Arena.
But with RB Leipzig in next season's Champions League and having ambitions to go one better in the Bundesliga after finishing second, Mintzlaff is clear that selling either would be a bad idea – and as such it will not happen.
"It would be negligent to let one of our key players go", he was quoted as saying by Bild.
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"Emil and Naby are extremely talented and developable players.
"We are glad that we are able to keep up with their development as a club and now we can prove ourselves in the Champions League in the coming season."
Mintzlaff insists that no firm offers have been put on the table for either player, but makes no bones about the fact they are wanted men.
"Concrete offers are not there, but let's say, of course the guys have aroused great interest through their performances.
"That is the normal way, but we are not concerned about that."
Forsberg's agent has made noises over a move, but Mintzlaff says if he is in any doubt over his client's status, RB Leipzig are more than happy to help.
"We can always talk, but not about the contract or a transfer.
"If the agent has forgotten for how long Emil is under contract to us, then we will be able to send him a copy of this", he added.
Forsberg's deal runs until 2022, while Keita is under contract until 2020.
