Alessio Russo's Stunning Move to Arsenal Leaves England Striker Mary Earps Struggling to Accept
Alessia Russo, the talented England striker, has decided to leave Manchester United and is set to join Arsenal as a free agent, after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract Mary Earps, her close friend and teammate, expressed her sadness about the departure Stay updated on the summer transfer window with Sky Sports
Mary Earps expresses her difficulty in witnessing Alessia Russo's departure from Manchester United, as she prepares to join Women's Super League competitors Arsenal. Russo has opted to let her contract with Man Utd expire after unsuccessful negotiations for a new agreement, and is anticipated to join Arsenal as a free agent.
Despite her disappointment over Russo's departure, Manchester United and England goalkeeper Earps has expressed her support for the player.
"Although it is indeed a sorrowful situation," Earps expressed during a National Lottery-sponsored occasion in her birthplace of Nottingham, as she spoke to We News. "Alessia and I share a close friendship, so naturally, this is a challenging position to be in.
"Nonetheless, my utmost priority is to provide unwavering support for her - she must prioritize what is best for her professional journey. It may appear a certain way from an external perspective, but one can never truly comprehend the circumstances someone is facing."
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"There's a completely different side of the story that you're not going to hear unless you talk to her. I can't answer those questions.
"The most important thing is that Alessia is happy. We'll be friends for a long time, so I will support her whatever she does."
Analysis: 'Man Utd's offer too late to tempt Russo'
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We News reporter Anton Toloui:
It appears that Arsenal has successfully beaten out competition from prominent clubs in both the United States and Europe in their pursuit of Alessia Russo. This signing is expected to greatly benefit Arsenal as they strive to reclaim their position at the top of the Women's Super League (WSL).
Manchester United have extended their best wishes to Russo for her future endeavors, emphasizing that there are no ill feelings between the two parties. However, the negotiation process, spanning a year and a half, was marked by frustrations from both sides.
While United did present Russo with a substantial offer, aiming to make her the highest-paid player in the club, it was deemed that the final proposal arrived too late in the process.
Russo's departure, combined with Ona Batlle's anticipated move to Barcelona, creates significant vacancies for Manchester United as they aim to capitalize on their second-place finish in the league last season. To fill these voids, the club will likely need to make substantial investments in order to replace two of the league's most prominent players.
On the other hand, Arsenal's prospect of Russo joining their ranks strengthens an already formidable attacking lineup, particularly when Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead are fully recovered and ready to contribute.
Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports
Stay informed about the potential transfers during the summer as the transfer window commences on June 14 and concludes on September 1 in England, and at midnight in Scotland.For the latest updates on transfers and rumors, visit our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on We' digital platforms. Additionally, you can find comprehensive coverage, including analysis and details of incoming and outgoing transfers, on We News.
