Alessia Russo ready to ‘grow as a player’ after completing free transfer to Arsenal from Manchester United

Alessia Russo has completed her free transfer move to Arsenal on a free transfer from Manchester United.

Arsenal bid a world record amount of £500,000 for the player in January, which was turned down at the time, but the player has run down her contract, allowing her to move for nothing in the summer.

Russo will reportedly become one of the best-paid players in the Women’s Super League after completing her move on Tuesday, and the 24-year-old is expected to feature prominently for England at the upcoming 2023 World Cup in Australia.

“I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get going,” the England international said. “I want to win trophies – as does everyone in this club. I can’t wait to get stuck in and grow as a player – it’s a new challenge and a new environment.”

Manager Jonas Eidevall added: “Alessia is one of the best forwards in the world and has significant potential to continue growing and improving. She has a proven track record of scoring goals in the WSL and at international level and we believe she will be a quality addition to our forward line, so we’re all delighted to have brought her to the club.”

Russo scored 26 goals for Manchester United in 59 appearances after joining from Brighton in 2020, and won the European Championship with England last year, scoring a backheeled goal of the tournament in the semi-final against Sweden.

Russo continued: “I think the growth of the women’s game has been incredible, but particularly at a club like Arsenal.

‘The sell-out against Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium last season was fantastic, and I’m just really excited to be part of this club.”