Arsenal are set to win the race to sign Manchester United forward Alessia Russo, according to ArseBlog News.
Reporter Tim Stillman claims that the Gunners are “closing in” on a deal and they are now confident that the 24-year-old will join them on a free transfer when her contract expires at the end of the month:
— Tim Stillman (@Stillmanator) June 15, 2023
Russo had an excellent season for United, scoring 13 goals in all competitions, helping her team to a second-place finish in the Women’s Super League.
Arsenal have been pursuing Russo for quite some time
The Gunners originally tried to sign the forward in 2020, after completing her spell with US College team North Carolina Tar Heels. However, United were the team that secured her services at the time.
Jonas Eidevall’s team made another attempt to lure Russo down to London in January, offering a world record fee of £500,000. The bid was, however, rejected.
Contract negotiations have continued into the summer
United have been very determined to keep Russo and ArseBlog News report that the Red Devils have been willing to match the England international’s wage demands to keep her in Manchester.
From the looks of things, though, Arsenal have managed to persuade the player to move down south ahead of next season.
Russo will be in action for England soon
Fans won’t have to wait long to see the forward play again. Russo was named in the England squad for the World Cup next month and she will join up with the Lionesses for a pre-tournament training camp on Monday.
Sarina Wiegman’s team have a friendly against Portugal at the Stadium MK before they fly Down Under. Their first group game will be against Haiti on the 22nd July. Supporters across Europe will now be able to see the tournament live after it was confirmed that FIFA have extended their agreement with the European Broadcasting Union. It means that games will be shown on free-to-air TV in the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Italy and Ukraine as well as 28 other European territories.
