Alessia Russo, the talented England striker, has completed a move to Arsenal on a free transfer after parting ways with Manchester United earlier this summer.
Last season, Russo showcased her abilities by scoring against Arsenal in both matches, contributing to Manchester United’s victories.
During the January transfer window, Arsenal made two world-record bids for Russo, with the second offer reportedly reaching close to £500,000. However, Manchester United rejected both bids.
At the age of 24, Russo turned down multiple contract extension offers from United and decided to embark on a new chapter in her career.
Expressing her aspirations, Russo stated, “I have a strong desire to win trophies, just like everyone else at this club. I’m thrilled to dive into this new challenge and grow as a player. It’s a fresh environment for me.”
When asked about her decision to swap Manchester United for Arsenal, Russo emphasized the remarkable progress of the women’s game, particularly at Arsenal. She highlighted the incredible atmosphere during a sold-out match against Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium last season. Joining Arsenal, she expressed her excitement to become part of the club.
Russo’s transfer makes her the third signing for Arsenal this summer, following the arrivals of defender Amanda Ilestedt from Paris St-Germain and striker Cloe Lacasse from Benfica. Russo, a Euro 2022 winner, is currently part of the England squad for the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
Having joined Manchester United in 2020 under former manager Casey Stoney after her stint at the University of North Carolina, Russo made a significant impact. She emerged as United’s joint-top scorer in the Women’s Super League this season, netting 10 goals and providing one assist in 20 matches. This achievement propelled United to their highest-ever finish, securing qualification for the next season’s Champions League.
Although competition for attacking positions in the Arsenal squad is fierce, with players like Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, Caitlin Foord, Stina Blackstenius, and Lina Hurtig, Russo embraces the challenge. She believes the competition will aid her development, mirroring the competitive environment she experiences while playing for the England national team.
Following the conclusion of the Women’s World Cup, Russo will join her new Arsenal teammates. The tournament kicks off in Australia and New Zealand on July 22.
The new Women’s Super League season is scheduled to begin during the weekend of September 29 to October 1.
Analysis by Emma Sanders from Sport News Center indicates that Russo’s move to Arsenal deals a blow to Manchester United, who had hoped to secure her contract extension but lost her to a competitor in the Women’s Super League. However, the addition of Russo strengthens Arsenal’s squad depth, which proved crucial last season during an injury crisis on their path to the Champions League semi-finals.
Russo’s goal-scoring prowess in the Women’s Super League and on the international stage is well-established. While she enjoyed an undisputed position as the first-choice striker at Manchester United, she will face competition for a place in Arsenal’s lineup. This healthy competition is expected to aid her development, which has already been shaped by similar circumstances within the England national team. Additionally, as Arsenal’s injured stars return, the competition for positions will intensify.
Under the management of Jonas Eidevall, Arsenal has made significant investments in their squad, aiming to challenge the dominance of Chelsea in the Women’s Super League. Russo’s arrival is seen as another step towards achieving that goal.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Transfer
Q: When did Alessia Russo join Arsenal?
A: Alessia Russo joined Arsenal on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United earlier this summer.
Q: How did Manchester United respond to bids from Arsenal for Russo?
A: Manchester United turned down two world-record bids from Arsenal, including a second offer believed to be close to £500,000.
Q: Why did Russo choose to leave Manchester United for Arsenal?
A: Russo mentioned her desire to win trophies and the growth of the women’s game, particularly at a club like Arsenal, as the reasons for her decision.
Q: How did Russo perform in the Women’s Super League with Manchester United?
A: Russo was Manchester United’s joint-top scorer in the Women’s Super League last season, with 10 goals and one assist in 20 matches.
Q: Who are the other signings made by Arsenal this summer?
A: Arsenal has also signed defender Amanda Ilestedt from Paris St-Germain and striker Cloe Lacasse from Benfica.
Q: When will Russo join her new Arsenal teammates?
A: Russo will join Arsenal after the Women’s World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on July 22.
Q: What is the start date for the new Women’s Super League season?
A: The new Women’s Super League season is set to begin over the weekend of September 29 to October 1.
Q: How does Russo’s transfer impact Manchester United and Arsenal?
A: Russo’s transfer is seen as a blow to Manchester United, who wanted her to sign a contract extension. For Arsenal, it strengthens their squad depth and aims to challenge Chelsea’s dominance in the Women’s Super League.
More about Transfer
- Alessia Russo joins Arsenal on free transfer
- Manchester United rejects bids from Arsenal for Russo
- Russo’s reasons for leaving Manchester United
- Russo’s performance in the Women’s Super League
- Arsenal’s other summer signings
- Women’s World Cup official website
- Women’s Super League official website
- Chelsea’s dominance in the Women’s Super League
5 comments
gutted that alessia russo left man utd. she was our top scorer last season. hope we can find a replacement soon. good luck to her at arsenal. #MUFC
wow, Alessia russo joining arsenal? that’s big news. she was awesome at man utd. can’t wait to see her play for arsenal. #transfers
the women’s game is growing so fast, and alessia russo knows it! good move by her to join arsenal. looking forward to more exciting matches in the WSL. #womensfootball
can’t believe man utd rejected those big bids for russo. she’s gonna shine at arsenal! gonna be a tough competition for attacking spots. can’t wait for the new season. #transferrumors
alessia russo is a great addition to our squad. her goalscoring record is impressive. arsenal is building a strong team to challenge chelsea. #arsenal #COYG