Aaron Ramsey set to snub Man Utd and sign for Arsenal

Whizzkid Aaron Ramsey is signing for Arsenal in a £5million-plus deal - and snubbing Manchester United.

The 17-year-old Cardiff City midfielder last night decided to join the Gunners after a whirlwind round of talks with the two clubs and Everton, who all agreed to buy him.

Ramsey was impressed by Arsene Wenger's desire to land him and offer him a crack at first-team football straight away next season, which was a better "sell" than Sir Alex Ferguson's at Old Trafford.

Ramsey wants to try his luck in the Premier League immediately and Wenger assured him he would get his chance to fill Matthieu Flamini's boots straight away.

The incredible rise of the 17-year-old led to United and Arsenal scrapping for him, but Ferguson's idea of loaning him back to Cardiff actually counted against the champions.

Ramsey's parents met Ferguson, while the teenager only spoke to coach Mike Phelan, and their sales pitch was bettered by Wenger.

The Welsh prodigy was flown to Euro 2008 to speak to Wenger and the VIP treatment - plus his vision for a quick chance to play in the big team - won the day as all three clubs were told of the decision last night.

Meanwhile Alexandre Song has signed a new long-term deal with to stay on at the Emirates.

The Cameroon star, 20, joined the Gunners from French outfit Bastia on a season-long loan in 2005.

He then signed a permanent contract the following summer, before being loaned out to Charlton for the 2006-07 season.

The holding midfielder made 15 first-team appearances last term, playing at centre-back for the Prem's last five games.