Aaron Ramsey's Return to Cardiff Only a Matter of Time

The likely summer transfer of Aaron Ramsey from Arsenal to Welsh giants Cardiff City has for months loomed large in the minds of supporters and officials at both clubs.

Despite emphatic denials from Arsenal executives, the disdainful reactions of manager Arsene Wenger, and the young man's own repeated assertions to the contrary, rumors persist among major media outlets of an irresistible bid being prepared by the Severnside club.

Citing the wild enthusiasm of Cardiff's fans for the return of the young Welshman, known to the Bluebird faithful as "Rambo," to the club that brought him up from the age of eight, it has widely been speculated that a citywide collection will be taken up to support the bid.

"We'd certainly love to have him back," Bluebirds manager Dave Jones was quoted as saying before stuffing a rolled up £10 note into a shoe box with a hole sliced in the top, labelled "Ramsey fund."

"Are you kidding? Brilliant young talent, one of the greats to ever come out of our youth system."

Others were less guarded in their optimism.

"It's only a matter of time, really," said lifelong Cardiff City supporter David Jones (no relation). "He's a national treasure. He belongs here."

Currently in the thick of the Championship promotion battle, Cardiff City, recently installed in their state-of-the-art new grounds at Leckwith, are reemerging as a force to be reckoned with in the world of British football. Many believe the move for Ramsey is the next inexorable step in the club's meteoric rise to the upper echelons of European football.

"Cardiff City are the club of the future for the EPL, for Britain, and for the world," said team spokeswoman Gladys 'Jonesy' Jones (also no relation). "Although he's on contract at another club at present, we're confident he will soon be back where he belongs."

"We really miss him. I was sad when he left. I hope he comes back soon," urged tearful eight-year-old Cardiff City supporter, Gareth Jones (son of aforementioned David Jones, but no relation to the rest).

Given the alignment of the heavens in the Welsh side's favor, the bemused reaction out of North London is baffling.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger toed the party line, but clearly seemed anxious to change the topic.

"I don't know even who Gareth Jones is," rebutted the cagey Frenchman, when apprised of the young fan's comments. "This is ludicrous."

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood was quick to echo Wenger's sentiments, offering little more than a sarcastic snort, before conceding that, in his words, "stranger things have happened."

Stranger things indeed. With so many people on the Cardiff end eager to reacquire the deft-footed midfielder, Arsenal supporters have sought reassurance from Ramsey himself.

The 19 year-old Caerphilly native, however, refused to comment directly on his possible Cardiff City return: "I like it here. I love the club, the city, the fans. Arsenal have a great future and I want to be a part of it."

Despite the issue of funds, the firm assurances by both club and manager, the current contract status of Aaron Ramsey, and the player's own statements, many savvy Arsenal supporters remain deeply concerned about what they see as an inevitable move. Some are already arranging permits for protest marches through Ashburton Grove.

One protest organizer, who declined to give his name, offered these sensible words: "everybody just keeps talking about it, so there must be something to it all. I mean, they can't just make stuff up because it sells, can they?"

Can they?