Arsenal Women close in on Alessia Russo deal.
Russo, 23, has been in talks with her current club over a new contract. Her contract is currently up in the summer, but there has been no agreement over extending it.
Arsenal have now come in with a massive proposal to sign Russo, who has five goals in nine Women’s Super League games this season. The world-record signing in the women’s game is currently Keira Walsh’s move to Barcelona from Manchester City last summer, which cost £400,000.
The England international was subject to a world record bid from the Gunners from United on January transfer deadline day, which United deliberated over before rebuffing.
United, who finished 2nd in the WSL last season, have been trying to persuade the 24-year-old centre-forward to commit her future to the club and, according to our information, United have shown willingness to match her salary demands.
However, Arsenal held the upper hand and our understanding is that a deal is close. Russo joins up with England on 19 June for their pre World Cup training camp. But it looks as though a deal is close and Arseblog News understands that the club have also had a bid for another big player from a major European club rejected, which has yet to get into the press. We’ll report more on that when we can.
Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall has spoken about his desire to add goals to his side, given the injuries to Beth Mead and Vivienne Miedema.
He said earlier this month: “I would be disappointed if we can’t bring in a prolific goalscorer in addition to the signings already. That should be a really important priority for us in this window with the number and the level of games we are playing.”
Russo was a key part of the England side that won the UEFA European Women’s Championship in the summer, scoring a backheel in the semi-final against Sweden.
She has 17 caps for the senior side, scoring 10 goals.
United are pushing for their first Women’s Super League title since their foundation in 2018, but are being pursued by both Chelsea, in second, and Arsenal, in third. Arsenal are three points behind United.
