ARSENAL have won the race to sign Welsh wonder-kid Aaron Ramsey after he snubbed Manchester United and Everton in favour of a move to North London, writes Iain Liddle.

Cardiff City's official website confirmed that the youngster had made his decision after returning from Switzerland where had been flown by private jet for a personal meeting with manager Arsene Wenger.

The Bluebirds winger will cost around £5million and is the Gunners' first major signing of the summer.

"Cardiff City were informed on Friday morning that Aaron Ramsey's preferred destination this summer is at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal," read a club statement.

"We will now continue the dialogue with the Gunners with view to Aaron's move being completed.

"We would like to wish Aaron every success in the top flight."

The move is a major coup for the north London club with Alex Ferguson believing he had done enough to convince the player that Old Trafford would be the right choice for his career.

The Scot had also promised to loan him back to the Championship club next season to give him valuable first-team football.

However his decision to speak to the player via phone while on holiday as opposed to the personal touch offered by the Frenchman appears to have been a major factor in his decision.

Wenger's record for nurturing young talent such as Theo Walcott is also believed to be instrumental in the move.