Alessia Russo set to join Arsenal following Manchester United departure

Manchester United's Alessia Russo is set to depart the club this summer as her contract comes to an end. The 24-year-old English forward is reportedly close to signing with Arsenal on a free transfer. During her three-year tenure at United, Russo scored 27 goals in 59 games. However, despite being last season's WSL runners-up, the club was unsuccessful in persuading her to stay.

Despite receiving two world-record bids from WSL rivals Arsenal for Russo in January, United's negotiations with the forward for a new deal only reached her contract expectations on the last week of the season, which unfortunately was too late to persuade her to stay. It has been reported that United and Russo have been in discussions for a new deal for the past 18 months.

This summer's top free agent in football is the coveted forward who has garnered interest from clubs around the world, including in the USA, France, Spain, and the UK. However, Arsenal has emerged as the frontrunner for her signature, having expressed interest earlier this year. Signing her would send a clear message of intent to the rest of the game.

However, Russo's sole focus at the moment is England's World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand, which begins next month.

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Man Utd's offer too late to tempt Russo

Alessia Russo was always going to be a player the top sides in world football wanted. Arsenal signing her would be a huge coup.

They look like they have fought off competition from the biggest clubs in the US and Europe as they look to fire their way back to the top of the WSL.

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The negotiations between Manchester United and Russo have come to an amicable end with both parties wishing each other the best for the future. However, the discussions were not without their challenges as frustrations arose on both sides during the year-and-a-half-long process. Despite offering Russo a significant deal to become the highest-paid player at the club, it was ultimately deemed too late to be accepted.

United will face a major challenge in filling the void left by Russo's departure and the anticipated exit of Ona Batlle to Barcelona. The team's success last season, when they finished second in the league, will depend heavily on their ability to make significant investments in new talent. Meanwhile, Arsenal's upcoming acquisition of Russo adds another weapon to their already formidable attack, particularly when combined with the returning Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead.

Stoney: Russo not moving to NWSL

I have a special connection with Alessia, having signed her when she was a child and later at United. As a player of her caliber, it's important to be proactive in securing her commitment by maintaining ongoing communication and ensuring that we are in the mix when it comes to her decision-making process."

"She's not coming here."

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