20 transfers that were hijacked by rival clubs: Part 2

Aaron Ramsey: Joined Arsenal instead of Manchester United (2008)

Aaron Ramsey actually grew up a Manchester United fan

Aaron Ramsey first turned heads at Cardiff City in the 2007/08 season where he played a crucial role in the club’s route to the FA Cup final (which they eventually lost to Portsmouth). And Sir Alex Ferguson was one of the first to call up Cardiff manager Dave Jones to check on his availability in the transfer market.

He put things in motion and soon the club had agreed on a fee to sign Ramsey. United even announced the deal on their official website stating that they were “delighted to announce it had agreed to terms with Cardiff City” subject to a medical.

The club’s official website announced that a deal had been agreed

However, Arsenal and Everton were also in talks with the club. Cardiff City assistant manager and Terry Burton (a former Arsenal player and coach) had helped develop Ramsey at the club and he suggested that a move to Arsenal would be better for the Welsh midfielder since the club’s style of play matched his.

Arsenal's bid of £5m was soon accepted by Cardiff and Ramsey went on to join Arsenal where he has since won three FA Cups, scoring the winner in two finals.