London - Arsenal completed the signing of promising Welsh teenager Aaron Ramsey on Friday, signing the Cardiff City player for around 5 million pounds (9.77 million dollars). Arsenal pipped Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton to sign Ramsey, who impressed everyone this season, and played in the FA Cup final in May.
"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," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said after snapping him up on a "long-term deal".
"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."
Ramsey chose Arsenal after Wenger flew him out to Basle in Switzerland for talks.
"He was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal," Ramsey said of Wenger. "I'm so happy to have signed for Arsenal."
"Arsene 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."
