Aaron Ramsey seals Arsenal move in boost for Arsene Wenger

Aaron Ramsey today completed a £5million move to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger beat off stiff competition to land the 17-year-old, who can play anywhere across the midfield.

Cardiff accepted bids for the Wales squad regular from Arsenal, Man Utd and Everton but the starlet chose to join the Londoners after flying out to Euro 2008 to meet Wenger last week.

And Ramsey admitted the Arsenal boss was a big factor in his decision to plump for the Gunners.

He told the Arsenal website: "I recently met with Arsène Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal.

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

"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's decision to join Arsenal is a boost for the Gunners after Mathieu Flamini's departure for AC Milan.

And Wenger is excited about his latest young Gun, saying: "We're delighted to have signed Aaron Ramsey.

"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.

"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."