Arsenal Women have confirmed the signing of England and Manchester United striker Alessia Russo on a free transfer, confirming Arseblog News’ exclusive story on 15 June reporting that the deal was close.
Our understanding at that point was that a verbal agreement was in place between Russo and Arsenal but the deal was unlikely to be progressed beyond a verbal agreement until her United contract officially expired on June 30. England fly to Australia for the World Cup on Wednesday and have been given a few days off following their 0-0 draw with Portugal, at which point this deal was always slated to be concluded.
The signing represents a big statement for Arsenal, who made a world record bid for Russo at the end of the January transfer window. Striker Stina Blackstenius played in every single match last season due to a lack of depth at centre-forward and Jonas Eidevall was always keen to bring Russo to the club, believing her to be the ideal striker for his system. Russo scored in her last four games against Arsenal in Manchester United colours.
“I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get going,” said Alessia. “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.”
Alessia 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.”
Head Coach Jonas Eidevall said: “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.”
Head of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “We’re delighted to have signed Alessia and I’m sure our supporters will be excited by this news. Alessia is a very talented footballer who fits the profile of player we want to bring to this club. We believe she has a high ceiling for further development and we are confident that we can go to the next level together.”
Russo will wear the number 23 shirt vacated by Mana Iwabuchi. We will have a special Arsecast episode discussing this move out shortly, as well as an in-depth article on why Arsenal pushed the boat out for the player.
Exciting times for the arsenal!
Finally! Every time I went on Twitter, her name was trending. Hope she turns out to be a great buy!
Off topic: sad to see Ashley Lawrence go to Chelsea! She was one of my favorite women players!
Lawrence going to Chelsea is stinky, for sure, but I think she’s besties with fellow Canuck Kadeisha Buchanan so that was likely a significant factor.
Stinky !? 😆
Wow! Wow!!! (Yeah, we knew that the deal was close but wow! still). I’m SO GLAD that we got this over the line🎊. @Tim, thanks for all the excellent reporting! What’s the maximum number of players we can register in the WSL? Aside Mana who left, I hope that there’s no other player that we are moving on. #ExcitingTimes
Also Raph, I’m still gutted by that one. Hopefully Ilestedt can replace some of the qualities we’re losing there.
Thanks, Iceman! Yeah, Rafa has already left. I missed that one. Quite painful😐.
The limit in the WSL is 25 registered players. For some of our players like Laura Wienroither or Leah Williamson who are at the start of their rehab process from ACL injuries, we may choose not to register them for the first half of the season. (Also doesn’t include loanees.) We are likely to see a few more exits, I’d imagine. Jodie Taylor’s likely to leave and it’s possible that Anna Patten may leave on the expiration of her contract as well. Plus a few loans. We’ll be looking to bring in at least 2-3 more signings so room will… Read more »
I’m so glad to see we as a club are not messing around anymore. Nailing every transfer early in the transfer window earns massive respect for our management.
Also, man utd didn’t want the 500k in january, so they got empty hands now, feels good man, feels good.
Now this is podracing!*
*It’s much better
Wow it’s happening! Arsenal is full of Lionesses now! Welcome, Alessia!
Well… when you say full of Lionesses, I think we’re back up to the same number we had last summer.
Good signing for the club. She’ll add lots up front, and she also seems like a really likeable person
This is a huge signing. That she decided to leave the team that came a place above us shows we’re actually on the better path. I’m certain that without all those injuries to extremely important players we would’ve beaten Chelsea to the title by a couple of points at least.
Here’s hoping for more luck in the coming season.
I said exactly the same
Huzzah! Excited to see what Russo can do in an Arsenal shirt! Welcome to the club, Lessi!
I love that Man Utd turned down our world record offer for her last year, thinking they could persuade her to stay. Instead she’s now joined us for free 😀
I’m waiting with interest for the podcast… Wasn’t there going to be one on Lacasse as well? Or was it Ilestedt?