Alessia Russo Joins Arsenal On Free Transfer After Man United Contract Expiry

England striker Alessia Russo has joined Arsenal on a free transfer after her contract expired at Man United.

Welcome to the Arsenal family.

Alessia Russo is our new No.23 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EHItELutGZ

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) July 4, 2023

Arsenal made two bids, one of which was a world-record fee, in January but both were rejected by United.

The 24-year-old reportedly rejected a record pay offer from Man United to leave the club.

Russo’s contract then expired and she was allowed to join Arsenal on a free deal.

The current world-record fee for a women’s player is 400k for fellow Lioness Kiera Walsh when she joined Barcelona for Man City in September 2022.

Alessia Russo netted 10 goals in the WSL last season when Man United finished second behind Emma Hayes’ Chelsea.

The striker was also a big part of England’s Euros win last summer, a tournament where she netted four goals.

“I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get going” Russo said after completing her move to The Gunners.

She will wear the N0. 23 shirt for her new club.

“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.

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

Before she dons the red of Arsenal, Russo will represent her country once again in Australia and New Zealand for the Women’s World Cup starting Thursday 20th July 2023.

She has 11 goals in 21 caps for England in her young career.

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