Arsenal's world-record bid in January to prise Alessia Russo away from WSL rival Manchester United ultimately proved unnecessary, with the Gunners procuring the Euro 2022 winner's services in a brand new deal.
The former United player announced last month that she would not sign a new deal with the club upon the expiry of her current contract this summer, though Russo refrained from commenting on what her next step would be. Interest has been fierce for Russo's signature since last summer's European Championships, with clubs in Spain, France and the USA all lining up as potential suitors for the 24-year-old.
United rejected two bids from Arsenal for Russo during the January transfer window, including a reported world-record bid of just under £500,000. Even so, the rebuffs did little to deter Arsenal's interest. The club have remained in pole position for Russo's signature, with the player's team holding talks with the Gunners over the course of the season.
