Arsenal clinch the signing of Alessia Russo on a free transfer

Arsenal sign Lionesses striker Alessia Russo on a free transfer after the England star left Man United for free – despite the Gunners bidding a world record £450,000 in January

  • Arsenal have confirmed the free transfer signing of England star Alessia Russo 
  • United offered Russo a new deal but failed to match Arsenal’s offer in time   
  • Russo has already targeted silverware as she prepares for the World Cup 

England striker Alessia Russo has completed a move to Arsenal on a free transfer from Manchester United.

The Gunners have finally got their top transfer target after they had a world record bid of £450,000 rejected in January.

Sarina Wiegman had told all of her England players to sort out any transfers before flying to Australia for the World Cup on Wednesday and Russo was also keen to have her future sorted quickly.

‘I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get going,’ Russo, who will wear the No 23 shirt, said.

‘I want to win trophies – as does everyone in this club. I can’t wait to get stuck in and grow as a player – it’s a new challenge and a new environment.

Arsenal have clinched the signing of Alessio Russo on a free transfer after she left Man United

The England star – who is preparing for the World Cup – is targeting silverware in north London

‘I think the growth of the women’s game has been incredible, but particularly at a club like Arsenal. The sell-out against Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium last season was fantastic, and I’m just really excited to be part of this club.’

Arsenal finished third in the Women’s Super League last season but made it all the way to the semi-final of the Champions League, narrowly losing out against Wolfsburg in extra-time.

Jonas Eidevall is hoping Russo can help take his side a step further in 2023-2024. ‘Alessia is one of the best forwards in the world and has significant potential to continue growing and improving,’ the Arsenal boss said.

United offered Russo a new deal but they could not match Arsenal’s offer in time 

‘She has a proven track record of scoring goals in the WSL and at international level and we believe she will be a quality addition to our forward line, so we’re all delighted to have brought her to the club.’

United were hoping Russo would choose to sign a new contract after the club qualified for the Champions League and offered to make her their highest paid player.

But that offer came too late in negotiations and Russo representatives are understood to have been frustrated by the time it took the club to match Arsenal’s offer.

United have lined up Brazilian forwards Kerolin and Geyse as possible replacements for Russo.


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