Game Changer: Alessia Russo Joins Arsenal Women on a Thrilling Free Transfer after Manchester United Departure

Arsenal have officially announced the acquisition of English forward Alessia Russo on a free transfer, after her departure from Manchester United.

Despite facing rejections of two offers, including a record-breaking sum in January, Arsenal has successfully secured the services of the 24-year-old, as her contract with United came to an end.

Russo scored 10 goals in the previous WSL season, contributing to her team's second-place finish behind Chelsea. Instead of renewing her contract with United, she decided to move to north London. Her primary goal is to win domestic trophies, building upon the success she had with the Lionesses last summer during the Women's Euro tournament where she scored four goals.

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"I'm really excited to be here and I can't wait to get going," Russo said after joining Arsenal, where she will wear the No 23 shirt.

"I have a strong desire to win trophies, just like every member of this club. I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to fully immerse myself in this new challenge and develop as a player within this fresh environment.

I believe the remarkable progress of women's football, especially at a renowned club such as Arsenal, is truly awe-inspiring."

The sell-out match against Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium last season was a phenomenal experience, and I'm thrilled to be a part of this club. Russo, who is part of the England squad for the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, has scored 11 goals in 21 senior appearances for her country.

Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall expressed, "Alessia possesses exceptional skills as a forward and shows immense potential for further development. With her remarkable goal-scoring record in the WSL and on the international stage, we firmly believe she will greatly enhance our forward line. The entire team is thrilled to welcome her to the club."

Arsenal has made their third signing of the summer with Russo joining the team. This comes after the signings of Amanda Ilestedt, a defender from Paris Saint-Germain, and Cloe Lacasse, a forward from Benfica. United announced last month that Russo, along with other players, had left the club after their contracts expired.

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Right-back Ona Batlle has left the club along with Tara Bourne, Jade Moore, Estelle Cascarino, and Aissatou Tounkara, as they were unable to reach an agreement on new deals. We understand that United and Russo had been negotiating a new contract for the past 18 months, but it wasn't until the last week of the season that United met the forward's contract demands. By that time, it was already too late to convince her to stay.

A number of clubs from various countries such as the USA, France, Spain, and the UK expressed their desire to secure the signing of Russo this summer. However, Arsenal emerged as the victors in the race, capitalizing on their earlier interest and securing his services.

"We are thrilled to announce the signing of Alessia, and we believe our loyal fans will be thrilled with this exciting news. Alessia is an incredibly skilled player who perfectly aligns with the type of athlete we aim to attract to our esteemed club."

"We believe she has a high ceiling for further development and we are confident that we can go to the next level together."

Scott: Important Russo's future sorted before WWC

Jill Scott, a former England international, spoke to We News and praised Alessia as an exceptional player. According to Scott, Manchester United will feel the absence of Alessia's prolific goal-scoring abilities. Arsenal, on the other hand, will be delighted to have another proficient goal-scorer in their squad. Scott also highlighted that this transfer is beneficial for Alessia as her family is located in the southern part of the country.

In January, I noticed Alessia Russo surpassing all the men's transfers, and it marked a significant moment in women's football. I extend my best wishes to her.

I recall our past small-sided games, where she would effortlessly maneuver past defenders and consistently score by placing the ball in the bottom corner. Her incredible speed and agility are a constant source of fear for defenders. What's even more impressive is that she still has room for improvement.

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Russo has scored 11 goals in 21 senior England appearances. "I believe it's crucial to finalize the move prior to the World Cup. It's undesirable to have any lingering matters, especially when heading to a tournament. Resolving any issues that may deplete your energy is necessary."

"She'll be happy to have it sorted. She can go away with the Lionesses and not have to think about Arsenal or Man Utd until she gets back."

'Arsenal complete impressive transfer coup'

We' Charlotte Marsh:

"Russo's move to Arsenal is quite extraordinary for many reasons.

The Gunners made a world-record bid in January, hoping their star striker would sign a new deal. However, Manchester United rejected the bid and the deal never came to fruition. This decision was seen as a risk worth taking at the time, as Arsenal was leading the WSL and competing in the FA Cup. It would have been absurd to consider a move to a close rival while contract negotiations were still ongoing.

In hindsight, United's lack of trophies and the absence of a transfer fee for their star striker have become evident. With the added challenge of participating in the Champions League alongside a busy domestic season, their recruitment team is now under pressure to urgently find a replacement player.

From Arsenal's standpoint, this is a remarkable achievement. They have successfully acquired their top priority without having to make a financial payment, although their determination was previously shown through their bid in January. Russo is highly renowned in the WSL, known for her goal-scoring abilities and track record of winning.

Eidevall acknowledged that his team was lacking a few players, particularly in the attacking positions, due to the long-term injuries of Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead. Nonetheless, Arsenal had a commendable season, securing their first silverware under Eidevall by defeating Chelsea in the Conti Cup final.

With the addition of Russo, Arsenal has high hopes that she can elevate their performance and challenge Chelsea's dominance in the WSL title race. Arsenal was the previous champion before Emma Hayes' team claimed four consecutive trophies.

'Success at Arsenal can cement Russo as one of the world's best No 9s'

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Russo departs United after three years at the club

We News reporter Anton Toloui:

Sarina Wiegman made it clear to her England players: "Please resolve all club matters before traveling to the World Cup."

Russo has successfully done so, giving her the opportunity to showcase on the grandest stage why she is now among the highest-paid players in the WSL.

Arsenal had to exercise patience to acquire their desired primary objective, yet they can find solace in the fact that they refrained from expending an astronomical sum of £500,000 on Russo back in January.

Furthermore, Arsenal triumphed in attaining Champions League qualification without her assistance, consequently accumulating additional funds to allocate towards alternative ventures as they endeavor to terminate Chelsea's supremacy in domestic competition.

Russo refused offers from top clubs in Europe and the USA to relocate to north London, demonstrating her commitment. Becoming a champion for both her club and country will solidify her standing as one of the game's finest No 9s.

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Content: The presence of fellow forwards Miedema, Mead, Caitlin Foord, Stina Blackstenius, and Katie McCabe certainly doesn't aid her pursuit of greatness.

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