Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he took great "satisfaction" winning the race for former Cardiff City midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

"I think in the future he will be a central midfielder," said Wenger. "How is down to him and down to us on how well we work with him.

"In my mind though there are no restrictions on his development because he has played a lot already."

Wenger also told the club's official magazine, Arsenal, of his joy at capturing the Caerphilly-born youngster who attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs.

"We watched him throughout the whole season," said Wenger.

"We were always on the case, but unfortunately we weren't the only ones because Liverpool, Man United and Everton were strongly behind the case.

"It was a big satisfaction for us that we were able to beat these teams to signing him."