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Welsh wonderkid Ramsey completes switch to Gunners

13/06/2008

Arsenal have completed the signing of teenager Aaron Ramsey for £5 million.

The 17-year-old has signed a long-term deal with the Gunners from Cardiff City.

Ramsey was flown to Switzerland for talks with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger at Euro 2008.

The midfielder snubbed a move to Premier League and European champions Manchester United and also had talks with David Moyes over a move to Everton.

The Wales ace said his talks with Wenger convinced him to join the north London club.

Arsene talked to me for a long time about the club and the plans for the future, which really excites me," Ramsey said.

"Arsenal is a club which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game and I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes here.

"It was a really difficult decision to leave Cardiff City, they are my local club with great supporters and I would just like thank everyone at Cardiff City for their support and help in my early career.

"I will still look out for their results and there will always be a place in my heart for the Bluebirds."

Ramsey became the youngest player to play for the Bluebirds aged 16 years and 124 days in April last year.

He went on to make 22 appearances for the Welsh side, including a substitute appearance in last month's 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

The Caerphilly-born player also became the youngest player to represent his country at Under-21 level last August.

Ramsey's preferred position is central midfield, but he can also play on the wing and as a fullback.

Frenchman Wenger said he is delighted with winning the race to sign the Welsh prodigy.

"He is a young player who has shown huge potential with his performances for both Cardiff City and Wales at Under-17 and Under-21 levels," Wenger said.

"He is still only 17, but has already shown that he is a very intelligent and mature player with great quality.

"Although he mainly plays in midfield, Aaron is a versatile player and can also play across the defence.

"We are all looking forward to welcoming Aaron to the Club for our pre-season preparations."