Arsenal sign Man Utd star after WORLD-RECORD bid

Tom Weber

• Updated: 4 Jul 2023 16:50 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal have officially completed the signing of England Lionesses star Alessia Russo on a free transfer from Manchester United.

The Red Devils turned down a world-record bid from the Gunners in January, but the forward has now joined Arsenal on a free.

The 24-year-old is understood to have wanted to extend her stay with the Red Devils, but a lethargic response from the club side meant that an agreement couldn't be reached.

With her contract expiring this summer, the player announced that she would be leave United after three years at the club, having signed in 2020 after spending time at the University of North Carolina in the USA. Arsenal won the race for her signature.

Last season, Russo played a crucial role in helping the Manchester outfit achieve their best-ever Women's Super League finish in their short existence, having only been formed in 2018.

READ: ‘Here we go!’ – Romano announces Arsenal signing

The Red Devils even led the league at one point, but couldn't stop Chelsea from marching to their fourth straight title, ultimately finishing second.

Russo chipped in with 10 goals and one assist for the club, but she has now made the switch to north London to join Arsenal.

What has Russo said?

In an official statement on the club's website, Russo said: "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."

The forward will wear the No 23 shirt at Arsenal and is impressed by the club's focus on women's football. "I think the growth of the women's game has been incredible, but particularly at a club like Arsenal," she said.

"The sell-out against Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium last season was fantastic and I'm just really excited to be part of this club."

Russo has become Arsenal's third summer signing, following the additions of Amanda Ilestedt from Paris Saint-Germain and Cloe Lacasse from Benfica.

Arsenal pounce

Arsenal's interest in Russo dates all the way back at least to her time in the USA. In fact, the Gunners were so keen on the player that they submitted a world-record fee of around £500,000 (€590,00) for the player in January.

United turned down the offer, expecting Russo to extend her stay with the club. They ultimately shot themselves in the foot.

Now, Russo has signed for Arsenal on a free transfer as the Gunners look to bolster their team for a title challenge after a disappointing, injury-ravaged third-placed finish last campaign. They finished 11 points behind rivals and title-winners Chelsea in the 2022/23 WSL season.

READ: Arsenal release 13, including player with more than 130 first-team appearances

The 24-year-old will be in action at the upcoming Women's World Cup this summer where she is expected to pick up where she left off at the European Championship last year, having scored four goals as the England Lionesses won their first-ever international title.