Arsenal have completed the signing of Cardiff's teenage midfielder Aaron Ramsey "on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee".The 17-year-old chose to move to Emirates Stadium ahead of Champions League and Premier League champions Manchester United as well as Everton after all three clubs expressed interest in the Wales Under-21 star.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website: "We're delighted to have signed Aaron Ramsey.

"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. 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."

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.

Ramsey - who impressed as a substitute during the FA Cup final defeat against Portsmouth at Wembley - has opted 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 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 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."

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