Aaron Ramsey is to join Arsenal from FA Cup finalists Cardiff City in a £5m cash deal, BBC Sport understands.
Champions League winners Manchester United and Premier League giants Everton were also fighting to sign the 17-year-old Welsh wonderkid.
But Ramsey has chosen Arsenal after the Gunners flew him out to Switzerland for face-to-face talks with boss Arsene Wenger, who is at Euro 2008.
Unlike United, the Arsenal deal does not include a loan back option.
Ramsey, who has made just 22 appearance for the Championship side, is expected to have a medical at Arsenal's plush Hertfordshire training ground within the next 24 hours.
A Cardiff City statement read: "Cardiff City were informed on Friday morning that Aaron Ramsey's preferred destination this summer is the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal.
"We will now continue the dialogue with the Gunners with a view to Aaron's move being completed.
"The move, unlike other options, does not include a loan back period at Ninian Park for the 2008/09 season.
"We would like to wish Aaron every success in the top-flight."
Champions League winners Manchester United and Premier League giants Everton were also fighting to sign the 17-year-old Welsh wonderkid.
But Ramsey has chosen Arsenal after the Gunners flew him out to Switzerland for face-to-face talks with boss Arsene Wenger, who is at Euro 2008.
Unlike United, the Arsenal deal does not include a loan back option.
Ramsey, who has made just 22 appearance for the Championship side, is expected to have a medical at Arsenal's plush Hertfordshire training ground within the next 24 hours.
A Cardiff City statement read: "Cardiff City were informed on Friday morning that Aaron Ramsey's preferred destination this summer is the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal.
"We will now continue the dialogue with the Gunners with a view to Aaron's move being completed.
"The move, unlike other options, does not include a loan back period at Ninian Park for the 2008/09 season.
"We would like to wish Aaron every success in the top-flight."