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Ramsey puts faith in Wenger
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| ARSENAL BOUND: Gwent educated Aaron Ramsey is on his way to London |
AARON Ramsey has chosen to place his future in the hands of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after shunning offers from Manchester United and Everton.
The 17-year-old Cardiff midfielder, was given the option of joining any of the Barclays Premier League trio after they met the Welsh club's valuation, which Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale has confirmed as £5million.
And the FA Cup finalists revealed this morning that after a week of negotiations, the Gwent-educated Ramsey had opted for Emirates Stadium and Wenger's proven track record for nurturing world-class youngsters.
The Gunners were reported to have flown the former Fleur-de-Lys' Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni pupil out to Basle at the weekend for discussions with Wenger, who is in Switzerland and Austria to fulfil media commitments at Euro 2008.
But it appears his mind had already been made up by then.
A potential sticking point to the transfer was seemingly Arsenal's unwillingness to loan Ramsey back to City next season - something United were prepared to do.
And Ridsdale has candidly admitted that he would have liked the hotly-tipped teenager to move to Old Trafford.
"We would have much preferred him to remain as a Cardiff City player or returned here on loan next season had he gone somewhere else,'' Ridsdale said.
"The only deal with a loan-back option was with Manchester United but ultimately it is up to the player to decide where he wants to go.
"In an ideal world I would have wished him to go to Manchester United were to he to leave us, but we have to be careful as we have relationships with Arsenal and want to do business with them in the future.''
On the nature of Arsenal's bid, he added: "It is a very straightforward, no strings attached £5million cash offer - simple.''
Ramsey's preference for north London was confirmed by Cardiff this morning.
"Cardiff City were informed on Friday morning that Aaron Ramsey's preferred destination this summer is at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal,'' a statement on http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk read.
"We will now continue the dialogue with the Gunners with a view to Aaron's move being completed.
"The move, unlike other options, however, does not include a loan-back period at Ninian Park for the 2008-09 season.''
After making his Bluebirds debut as a substitute against Hull in April 2007, Ramsey made 21 appearances last season, scoring twice.
12:19pm Tuesday 10th June 2008
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CommentPosted by: King of the Hill, Newport on 7:38pm Tue 10 Jun 08
At least Theo Walcott will have another English-speaker to talk to as they warm the bench next season.
Should have signed for Everton.
At least Theo Walcott will have another English-speaker to talk to as they warm the bench next season.
Should have signed for Everton.
Posted by: Don Quixote, Magor on 8:17pm Tue 10 Jun 08
Why has he gone to a second class side ( or even considered the third class side) when the champions of Europe made him the offer? A strange decision - think of his progress alongside Rooney etc.
Why has he gone to a second class side ( or even considered the third class side) when the champions of Europe made him the offer? A strange decision - think of his progress alongside Rooney etc.
Posted by: Rob, Newport, Gwent on 10:05pm Tue 10 Jun 08
Presumably because he sees Arsenal are on the up & has been promised first team exposure in the near future. Personally I don't think there is much difference in going to any of the establised 'top 4' clubs. From a Welsh perspective I would have preferred if he went to the next batch of Premiership clubs like Villa,Everton or Pompey for an increased chance of first team appearances.
Presumably because he sees Arsenal are on the up & has been promised first team exposure in the near future. Personally I don't think there is much difference in going to any of the establised 'top 4' clubs. From a Welsh perspective I would have preferred if he went to the next batch of Premiership clubs like Villa,Everton or Pompey for an increased chance of first team appearances.
Posted by: welshflinty, Crosskeys on 11:19am Sun 15 Jun 08
5m is a brilliant price to pay for a player that cant hold down a 1st team place in a Champioship side.
5m is a brilliant price to pay for a player that cant hold down a 1st team place in a Champioship side.
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