I've made the right choice by choosing Arsenal over United, says Ramsey

Hot property: Cardiff City Aaron Ramsey.

However, the prospect of working with Arsene Wenger - who has nurtured so many talented youngsters and personally met with Ramsey when Arsenal flew him out to
Switzerland - proved a decisive factor.

"It is an honour to be wanted by massive clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton," Ramsey said in the Western Mail.

"In the end I had to make the decision I felt was right for my future."

The teenager knows he cannot rest on his laurels if he is to cement a place in Wenger's first team at the Emirates Stadium alongside the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott.

"Cardiff City gave me my start in professional football and I won't forget that. It doesn't seem that long ago when I first joined as a schoolboy," said Ramsey.

"I have come a fair way since then, but there is still a lot of hard work ahead."

Wenger has always put his faith in youth but  that was not enough last season as his young side came up just short in the race for the title and in Europe.

The Frenchman's honest discussions with Ramsey - who impressed as a substitute
during the FA Cup final defeat against Portsmouth at Wembley - are understood to
have convinced him to opt for north London instead of the north-west.

The deal for Ramsey has yet to be formally completed but an official announcement from Arsenal is expected by the end of the week.

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale, meanwhile, candidly admitted he would have liked the teenager to move to Old Trafford in a deal which would have seen them retain Ramsey again next season on loan.

But Ramsey clearly preferred the chance to stake a claim with Arsenal from day one and prove he can indeed cut it at the highest level.

There have been suggestions United boss Sir Alex Ferguson - whom it is reported
left the face-to-face meeting with Ramsey to Gary Neville - was less than impressed by the outcome.

However, Ridsdale maintained: "I believe we handled the situation as well as it could be handled.

"I spoke to David Gill, Manchester United's chief executive, yesterday and they are disappointed, but there is no problem with Cardiff City whatsoever.

"We had a detailed chat and there is no bad vibe, none whatsoever. I kept Manchester United informed at every moment.

"They were the first to make a £5million offer, but I told them at the time that if any other clubs came in at an identical level, they would also be given permission for talks with Aaron.

"Arsenal have sent me an email thanking Cardiff City for the way the transfer negotiations were handled."