Alessia Russo joins Arsenal on a free transfer

• Arsenal have confirmed the signing of England striker Alessia Russo from Women’s Super League (WSL) rivals Manchester United
• The 24-year-old’s transfer ends months of speculation about her future having attracted interests of other top European clubs

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of England striker Alessia Russo from Women’s Super League (WSL) rivals Manchester United.

Arsenal had two bids rejected for Russo in January, including a world-record bid of over 400,000 euros. Russo joins the Gunners on a free transfer following her release from Manchester United. The 24-year-old’s transfer ends months of speculation about her future having attracted interests of other top European clubs.

Alessia Russo has joined Arsenal after the expiry of her contract with Manchester United this summer. Photo/ The Athletic.

Russo had three impressive seasons at Manchester United, helping the club to finish runners-up to champions Chelsea last campaign. She managed to hit ten goals in the Women’s Super League last season alone. Manchester United confirmed in June that Russo was one of the players who left the club this summer after the expiry of their contracts.

Speaking after signing a deal with Arsenal, Alessia Russo said she wants to win trophies with the London club.

“I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get going. 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. I think the growth of the women’s game has been incredible, but particularly at a club like Arsenal.” Sky Sports quotes Alessia Russo.

It is understood that Manchester United and Alessia Russo had been discussing terms of a new deal for the past one and a half years. However, an agreement was only reached towards the end of last season. At that point, the 24-year-old had already made the decision to leave the club.

Russo, who did not sign a new Manchester United deal, will wear the No. 23 shirt at Arsenal. The sell-out of Arsenal vs Wolfsburg Champions League clash at Emirates Stadium last season is one of the things that motivated Russo to join the Gunners.

Alessia Russo is the third signing Arsenal have made this summer following the arrivals of forward Cloe Lacasse and defender Amanda Ilestdt.

Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall described Russo as one of the best attackers in the football world at the moment. Coach Jonas believes the England international will be a quality addition to Arsenal’s forward line.

Alessia Russo is the third player to join the Gunners this summer following the arrivals of Amanda Ilestdt and Cloe Lacasse. Photo/ Arsenal.com.

“Alessia is one of the best forwards in the world and has significant potential to continue growing and improving. 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.” Jonas Eidevall said, as per Sky Sports.