Ramsey: Wenger was pivotal

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At 17, the Wales midfielder was one of the hottest properties in the British transfer market this summer, and Cardiff reluctantly agreed to let him talk to the Barclays Premier League club after three, the other being Everton, met their £5million valuation.

"I am so happy to have signed for Arsenal. I am joining one of the biggest clubs in the world and can't wait to meet my new team-mates," Ramsey said in a statement on the club's official website, www.arsenal.com. "I recently met with Arsene Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal."

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

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

Those honest discussions with Ramsey - who impressed as a substitute during the FA Cup final defeat against Portsmouth at Wembley - convinced him to opt for north London instead of the north-west and an immediate chance to make an impact on the first team rather than wait in line at Old Trafford, in a deal which actually would have seen him loaned back out to the Coca-Cola Championship club next season.

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

He said: "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."

Ramsey came through the youth ranks at Ninian Park, and admitted it was something of a wrench to leave the Wales club.

"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," he said. "I will still look out for their results and there will always be a place in my heart for the Bluebirds."