Aaron Ramsey has revealed he wants to join Arsenal. The Welsh midfielder, who will cost around £5m and is considered one of the hottest prospects in the British game, has rejected offers from Manchester United and Everton in favour of the Gunners.
After a week of negotiations during which Arsenal flew the Welshman out to Basle to meet Arsène Wenger, Cardiff City have announced that 17-year-old Ramsey has expressed his desire to move to the Emirates.
"Cardiff City were informed on Friday morning that Aaron Ramsey's preferred destination this summer is at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal," a club statement read. "We will now continue the dialogue with the Gunners with a view to Aaron's move being completed. The move, unlike other options, however, does not include a loan-back period at Ninian Park for the 2008-09 season."
While Wenger's proven track record for nurturing world-class youngsters and his assurance of first-team action is thought to have swayed the player, the Arsenal manager's reluctance to loan Ramsey back to Cardiff next season – something United and Everton were willing to do – may still prove a potential sticking point for the Championship side.
After making his Bluebirds debut as a substitute against Hull in April 2007, Ramsey made 21 appearances last season, scoring twice, and impressed as a substitute during the FA Cup final defeat against Portsmouth.
Click here for Stuart James's analysis of Ramsey's decision
