Why Harry Arter changed his mind over Cardiff switch

Harry Arter’s eagerness for regular first team football persuaded him to accept a deadline day offer to sign for Cardiff City on loan.

While Arter was open to leaving Bournemouth following the club’s record £25m signing of Jefferson Lerma, the Republic of Ireland midfielder was reluctant to be pushed into a move and arrived for training with Bournemouth on Thursday morning as he pondered his options.

Watford had proposed a loan deal that did not meet the financial requirements of Bournemouth or the players, but Cardiff’s eagerness to bring Arter to Wales encouraged him to make a move that will see him link up with Neil Warnock’s squad as they look to find a foothold in the Premier League after promotion last May.

Talks with Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe played a part in Arter’s decision to move to Cardiff, as it was made clear he would struggle to win a place in the Cherries first team with Lewis Cook and Lerma set to be the new first choice midfield pairing for the south coast club.

While Arter was initially keen to stay with the club he has been with since 2010 and try to force his way into the side, he is now eager to embrace the challenge of a one-year loan move to the Welsh capital.

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Arter travelled to Cardiff from Bournemouth at lunchtime on Thursday and completed a medical before holding talks with Warnock and sealing a move that could be converted into a permanent deal next summer.

The signing of Arter represents a strong final day of business for Cardiff in this summer’s transfer window, with Spain under-21 midfielder Victor Camarasa also signing in a season-long loan deal from Real Betis.